respectful

[ri-spekt-fuhl]

adjective

1. full of, characterized by, or showing politeness or deference.

   a respectful reply.

   Synonyms: deferential, civil, decorous, polite, courteous
   Antonyms: disrespectful, discourteous

respectful

/ rɪˈspɛktfʊl /

adjective

1. full of, showing, or giving respect

Other Word Forms

• respectfully adverb
• respectfulness noun
• quasi-respectful adjective
• quasi-respectfully adverb
• unrespectful adjective
• unrespectfully adverb
• unrespectfulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of respectful¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; respect + -ful

Example Sentences

They don’t need, though get, amplification, which is thankfully respectful.

From Los Angeles Times

McIlroy added that he hopes those respectful fans are the ones who show up at the next Ryder Cup, which will be held in his homeland.

From Los Angeles Times

The majority are true golf fans and respectful and let both teams have the same chance to hit the shots and play a fair contest.

From BBC

Earlier this year, Bali banned single-use plastics and issued behaviour guidelines for visitors to "ensure that Bali's tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with our local values".

From BBC

The behaviour towards the European team during this week's practice rounds, held in a family-friendly atmosphere, has been largely respectful and adulating.

From BBC

Related Words

• admiring 
• appreciative 
• civil 
• considerate 
• deferential 
• gracious 
• humble 
• obedient 
• polite 
• reverent 
• reverential 
• self-effacing 
• well-mannered