respectful

American  

[ri-spekt-fuhl] / rɪˈspɛkt fəl /

adjective

1. full of, characterized by, or showing politeness or deference.

   a respectful reply.

   Synonyms:

   deferential, civil, decorous, polite, courteous

   Antonyms:

   disrespectful, discourteous

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respectful British  

/ rɪˈspɛktfʊl /

adjective

1. full of, showing, or giving respect

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Other Word Forms

• quasi-respectful adjective
• quasi-respectfully adverb
• respectfully adverb
• respectfulness noun
• unrespectful adjective
• unrespectfully adverb
• unrespectfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of respectful

First recorded in 1590–1600; respect + -ful

Example Sentences

"In every discussion they wanted to make sure I wouldn't do anything inappropriate, that I would be respectful."

From Barron's

“I try to be very respectful of human remains, and not be flippant about it,” he told the Tulsa World.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s a secret, and we were very respectful of that.

From Salon

"Everyone is working as hard as possible to resolve these issues and we would urge all engagement to be respectful going forward," it added.

From BBC

“They were respectful,” said Janerio Taylor, a longtime Minneapolis activist, who supports abolishing the police department but conceded respect for their efforts handling the scene and working to reduce crime in recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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