respective

[ri-spek-tiv]

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

respective

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• respectiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of respective¹

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

Example Sentences

The Oscars, much like the Emmys, Grammys and Golden Globes, are better known by the monikers derived from their respective trophies instead of the organisations and professional academies that back them.

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Both have held multiple leadership positions over the course of their tenure, and have been instrumental at charting the current path their respective companies are on.

Read more on Barron's

This compares with $102 million and $2.2 billion the company reported for the respective year-earlier periods, when its results took a hit from an increase in U.S. liability reserves to cover future obligations.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"This will unlock long term value for all our shareholders because it will allow both companies to tap fully into their respective growth potentials," Busch said on Thursday.

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As different as Luis and Jade and their respective packs are, the moments when they come together are uplifting.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• various