Respective

Definition

Respective refers to relating to two or more things considered one by one, or to each of a particular group of people or things.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈspɛktɪv/
• Respelling: ri-SPEK-tiv (with "ri" as in "rid," "SPEK" as in "spectacle," and "tiv" as in "active")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈspɛktɪv/
• Respelling: ri-SPEK-tiv (similar to American English, with "ri" as in "rid," "SPEK" as in "spectacle," and "tiv" as in "active")

In both dialects, "respective" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, "SPEK." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, emphasizing clarity in the word's rhythmic structure.

Etymology

The term "respective" comes from the Latin word respectivus, from respectus, the past participle stem of respicere meaning "to look back at, regard."

Derivatives

• Respectively
• Respect
• Respector
• Respecter
• Respectfulness

Synonyms

• Corresponding
• Particular
• Separate

Antonyms

• Collective
• Common
• General

Usage

The term "respective" is utilized to describe something that is particular or belonging to each person or thing in a series or list of two or more things.

Related Terms

• Respectively
• Respect
• Individual

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Particular: Relating separately to each of several people or things; particular to each.‍
• Example: They sat in their respective seats.

• Corresponding: Corresponding or matching to each thing or person in a series.‍
• Example: The books and their respective authors are well-recognized.

• Sequential: In the exact order given.‍
• Example: The winners will be announced in respective order.