respectful
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of respectful
Explanation
If you’re respectful, you show consideration and regard for someone or something. Be respectful of your neighbors and turn down your disco music when it gets late. Respectful is the adjective form of the common word respect, which means a feeling of admiration. So when you behave in a way that’s respectful, you’re doing something to show admiration for another person. You might sit in respectful silence when your teacher enters the room. You can be respectful of situations as well as people. You might be respectful of the democratic process and not complain about not winning your school election.
Vocabulary lists containing respectful
List 1
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Positive and Uplifting Tones
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Workshop 4, Part 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Simeone, when asked to respond to Mourinho's refereeing rant, said he was always respectful of everyone else's opinions.
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
As one account suggests, Marshall “was not looking for conformists. He believed in the respectful, confidential expression of dissent.”
From Salon ● Sep. 20, 2026
The people aren’t always right, but in a democracy their views demand at least a respectful hearing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
"Wanting to represent a community in a way that was appropriate and respectful," Linney added.
From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026
“Well, then, I'm sure you'll agree that we can't just let him run off with a cake in his hands,” said Nok, trying her best to sound respectful.
From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
