respectful
[ri-spekt-fuh l]
- full of, characterized by, or showing politeness or deference: a respectful reply.
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Origin of respectful
Synonyms
See more synonyms for respectful on Thesaurus.comcourteous, polite, decorous, civil, deferential.
Antonyms
discourteous, disrespectful.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for respectful
Contemporary Examples
What I appreciate is, they are respectful of the democratic process.
Schieffer, by contrast, was more magnanimous and respectful.
If you think of yourself as more than a knuckle-dragging Neanderthal, you can stand up and be respectful.
Ibrahim made clear to Deputy Dennis Meyer that his daughter was a respectful and dutiful girl of Sudanese extraction.
Does it become romantic because of the need for power, or does it always stay at a respectful distance?
‘The Good Wife’ Creators on the Premiere’s Big Cary Twist, Will’s Death, and MoreKevin Fallon
September 22, 2014
Historical Examples
To the others it seemed that his mind walked with Those Above, and they were respectful of him.
The Trail BookMary Austin
He wished to see Hinde coming to him in a respectful manner!
The Foolish LoversSt. John G. Ervine
On the whole, they were easily managed, and were respectful and obedient.
Ned MyersJames Fenimore Cooper
She tells a simple story, in a candid and respectful manner.
Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. IFrancis Augustus Cox
My most respectful acknowledgements to her for it, and for her very kind admonitions.
Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
respectful
- full of, showing, or giving respect
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for respectful
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper