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

“You see some people on social media who are in your face, he’s nothing like that. He’s always respectful of everybody.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While the 10-hour debate was mostly respectful, some onlookers watching the debate cried out "murderers" after the bill passed.

Read more on BBC

Block taught her employees how to handle it: Be honest, be respectful, be direct.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The discussion was largely respectful and often emotional, though some onlookers watching the debate cried out "murderers" after the vote passed.

Read more on Barron's

Ms Evans also described Mr Baston as "well-mannered, polite and respectful".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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