respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
1
: particular, separate
their respective homes
2
obsolete : partial, discriminative
respectiveness noun

Examples of respective in a Sentence

it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both executives will continue to own a minority stake in their respective businesses and in Radial. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 1 July 2025 Moving beyond the basics of AI and incorporating industry-specific use cases or connecting students to internships that showcase real-world applications of AI, students gain a practical understanding of how these technologies can be applied in their respective fields. Michael Hansen, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Joe Biden, and previously Barack Obama, did not achieve major federal reform for cannabis or significant clemency for those incarcerated for non-violent cannabis crimes during their respective terms. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 In video footage shared by The Shade Room, the two rappers appear to be exiting a venue headed toward their respective vehicles. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for respective

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of respective was in 1597

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

respective

adjective
re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes

More from Merriam-Webster on respective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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