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

States are investing in programs designed to promote respectful and productive dialogue across political, cultural, religious and socio-economic lines.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"If you want us to be respectful humans at the airport stop treating us like cattle," one X user commented.

Read more on BBC

Despite those words, a relaxed Joshua and social media star Paul - usually known for his theatrics - exchanged pleasantries and kept it respectful with each other.

Read more on BBC

"What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb," Bosch told reporters at the time.

Read more on Barron's

A Singapore minister says he "should have been more respectful" after calling Hong Kong football players and fans "idiots" following a decisive 2027 Asian Cup qualifier.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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