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Definition of respectively

respectively

/rɪˈspɛktɪvli/
re · spec · tive · ly
Adjective:respective
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respectively Lexical Profile

respectively Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

Separately or individually and in the exact order already mentioned (used when enumerating two or more items or groups that correspond directly to a previous list).

Example

"The gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded to Sarah, David, and Elena, respectively."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for respectively
Antonyms
View all antonyms for respectively

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'respectively' (separately and in the order already mentioned) with 'respectfully' (with deference and politeness). Additionally, 'respectively' requires two parallel lists of equal length so each item in the second list maps cleanly to the corresponding item in the first.

• Rhymes for respectively

• Nearby Words

respectfulness
respecting
respective
respectively
respectworthy
respell
respelling

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-16th century from the adjective 'respective' plus the suffix '-ly', ultimately tracing back to the Latin verb 'respicere', meaning 'to look back at' or 'to regard'.

Cite this Entry

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