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Definition of respectful

respectful

/rɪˈspɛkt.fəl/
re · spect · ful
Adverb:respectfully
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respectful Lexical Profile

respectful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Feeling or showing deference, politeness, and high regard toward someone or something.

Example

"The students maintained a respectful silence while the guest speaker shared her personal history."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for respectful
Antonyms
View all antonyms for respectful

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'respectful' (showing polite deference toward others) with 'respectable' (deserving of respect due to good character or quality) or 'respective' (belonging separately to each of several things previously mentioned).

• Rhymes for respectful

• Nearby Words

respectably
respected
respecter
respectful
respectfully
respectfulness
respecting

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 16th century from 'respect'—which derives from the Latin 'respectus', meaning a looking back at or regard for—combined with the Old English suffix '-ful'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Respectful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/respectful
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