respective

American  

[ri-spek-tiv] / rɪˈspɛk tɪv /

adjective

1. pertaining individually or severally to each of a number of persons, things, etc.; particular.

   I will now discuss the respective merits of the candidates.

   Synonyms:

   corresponding, individual, separate

   Antonyms:

   irrespective

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respective British  

/ rɪˈspɛktɪv /

adjective

1. belonging or relating separately to each of several people or things; several

   we took our respective ways home

2. an archaic word for respectful

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Other Word Forms

• respectiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of respective

First recorded in 1515–25; from Medieval Latin respectīvus, equivalent to Latin respect(us) ( respect ( def. ) ) + -īvus -ive ( def. )

Example Sentences

The film’s cast and stunt ensemble were also nominated in their respective categories.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2026, there are second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh movies entering their respective franchise canons.

From Salon

You’ll want to home in on your stocks’ respective industry groups and how they rank compared with others in terms of performance.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Nobody is currently believed to have sustained any life-threatening injuries during the respective incidents," the force added.

From BBC

What did that unlock for you about the journey of these two young men and how they navigated their respective traumas?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• various