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

Both sets of supporters had been were sick at their respective sides' exits, and the disgruntled fans of former European champions Red Star made it known with the swathes of empty seats around the ground.

From BBC

The company said its stations would continue to “produce local news and other programming relevant to their respective markets.”

From Los Angeles Times

The three lifelong friends would rise to global celebrity in their respective fields.

From BBC

Ultimately, no-one other than Red Bull and Horner and their respective lawyers can be absolutely sure without seeing the documentation, to which they will not be privy.

From BBC

Stella pointed out that a new floor introduced at Monza had improved the Red Bull car, but also put the result in the context of track characteristics and the cars' respective strengths and weaknesses.

From BBC

Related Words

• various