Respective vs. Respected: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 28, 2023
"Respective" refers to individual or specific items in a sequence, while "Respected" means held in esteem or honor.
Key Differences
Respective typically functions as an adjective that indicates a correspondence between two or more lists. For instance, in a list of names and a list of roles, each name has its "respective" role. On the other hand, Respected is an adjective that denotes admiration or high regard for someone or something due to their qualities or achievements.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
In sentences, when we see the word Respective, we often see it used to make clear a one-to-one relationship between two sets of things. Respected, however, gives information about the esteem or value that someone or something has in the eyes of others.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Another distinction is in their etymology. Respective originates from the Latin word 'respectivus' meaning 'relative'. Respected, meanwhile, is derived from the Latin word 'respectus', meaning 'regard' or 'consideration'.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Both words play vital roles in English, but they aren't interchangeable. While "students returned to their respective homes" indicates each student went to their own home, saying a "well-respected teacher" means the teacher is held in high esteem.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
In summation, Respective is about individualized or separate correspondences, and Respected is about admiration and honor.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Often paired with lists or sequences
Describes someone/something held in high regard
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Etymology
From Latin 'respectivus' meaning 'relative'
From Latin 'respectus' meaning 'regard'
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Function
Descriptive adjective for sequence correspondence
Descriptive adjective for admiration
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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Respective and Respected Definitions
Respective
Pertaining individually or severally
They received their respective assignments.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Respected
Looked up to because of character or position
Respected elders often give advice.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Respective
Relating to two or more persons or things regarded individually; particular
Successful in their respective fields.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
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Respective
Relating to particular persons or things, each to each; particular; own.
They returned to their respective places of abode.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respected
Given deference or treated with consideration
Respected opinions should not be ignored.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Respected
Having an established reputation
He's a respected author in his field.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Respective
(obsolete) Looking toward; having reference to; relative, not absolute.
The respective connections of society
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respected
A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem
I have great respect for your work.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respected
The state of being regarded with honor or esteem
A leader held in the greatest respect.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respected
Consideration or appreciation
Can't you at least give me some respect?.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respective
Noticing with attention; hence, careful; wary; considerate.
If you look upon the church of England with a respective eye, you can not . . . refuse this charge.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respected
Due regard for something considered important or authoritative
Respect for the law.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respective
Looking towardl having reference to; relative, not absolute; as, the respective connections of society.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respected
A particular aspect, feature, or detail
In many respects this is an important decision.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respective
Relating to particular persons or things, each to each; particular; own; as, they returned to their respective places of abode.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respected
To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem or admire
All the other scholars respect her.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respective
Rendering respect; respectful; regardful.
With respective shame, rose, took us by the hands.
With thy equals familiar, yet respective.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respected
To avoid interfering with or intruding upon
Please respect my privacy.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respective
Considered individually;
The respective club members
Specialists in their several fields
The various reports all agreed
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respective
Belonging separately to each
They answered their respective questions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Respected
To relate or refer to; concern
As respects the rights of land owners, this law says nothing.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respective
Distinct for each listed
The teams played their respective matches.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Respected
Deserving of respect; due special honor or appreciation.
He was a respected jurist and his death will be a loss to the profession.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
Respective
Relating to particular things or people in a sequence
They were seated in their respective age order.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Respected
Having or worthy of pride;
Redoubtable scholar of the Renaissance
Born of a redoubtable family
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 15, 2022
FAQs
Can "respective" and "respected" be used interchangeably?
No, they have different meanings and cannot replace each other in sentences.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
When should I use "respective"?
Use "respective" when discussing individual items in relation to another set.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Is "respected" always about people?
No, it can refer to any entity held in high regard, including institutions or ideas.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Is "respected" about a sequence or order?
No, "respected" describes someone or something held in esteem or honor.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can an inanimate object be "respected"?
Yes, like "a respected institution" or "a respected tradition."
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
How does "respected" differ from "respectful"?
"Respected" means held in esteem, while "respectful" means showing respect.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
What does "respective" typically indicate?
"Respective" indicates a correspondence between items in sequences.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Does "respective" only apply to people?
No, "respective" can apply to any items in a sequence, whether people, places, or things.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
What's a synonym for "respective"?
A synonym might be "individual" or "specific."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
What's the opposite of "respected"?
The opposite might be "disrespected" or "unrespected."
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Can you give an example using both "respective" and "respected"?
The two respected professors returned to their respective universities.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Can "respective" be used for two things?
Yes, like "The cat and dog ate their respective meals."
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Can a thing be "respective"?
Not on its own. "Respective" requires a reference, e.g., "their respective roles."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is a "respected person" necessarily famous?
No, they might be admired in smaller circles without being widely known.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
