respectful
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- quasi-respectful adjective
- quasi-respectfully adverb
- respectfully adverb
- respectfulness noun
- unrespectful adjective
- unrespectfully adverb
- unrespectfulness noun
Etymology
Origin of respectful
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.
Hard to say, but Scotland were hushed for too long in this game, too respectful of the visitors, not aggressive enough and too easily brushed off the ball, too flat, not enough edge.
From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026
“I think he would have been respectful enough to let you win,” they said.
From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026
"Most fans are really respectful and thankful of you doing it. They are never disrespectful until they don't get what they want."
From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026
They describe his negotiating style as patient, respectful and empathetic, even as he presses for maximum advantage.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026
Stick and I fell into a respectful silence.
From "The Rock and the River" by Kekla Magoon
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.
