respectful
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived 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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Workshop 4, Part 2
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Positive and Uplifting Tones
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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.
He told AFP he wants a "respectful" relationship with US President Donald Trump.
From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026
It said staff worked hard to provide kind and respectful care, despite dealing with increasingly complex patients.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
“And we’re allowed to live in that. And our fans have been so respectful of that,” she said.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026
Only an open and respectful exchange can lead us to reconsider positions and reassess responsibilities.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
An older female whom she called Donkeyberry, because of the creature’s fondness for the fruit, sat surrounded by a respectful gathering of younger females and babies.
From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer
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.
