Respectful: meaning, definitions and examples

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respectful

[rɪˈspɛktfʊl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Feeling or showing admiration and deference toward someone or something.

Synonyms

admiring, considerate, courteous, deferential, polite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
respectful	Appropriate in formal situations or when addressing someone with high regard. She was always respectful to her teachers. The soldiers stood respectful during the ceremony.
courteous	Perfect for formal or semi-formal situations to show impeccable manners and politeness. The waiter was courteous and attentive. She was courteous enough to hold the door for others.
polite	Commonly used in everyday situations to show general good manners, appreciation, or respect. The children were very polite while visiting the museum. He’s always polite to his neighbors.
considerate	Used when highlighting someone’s thoughtfulness and care for others' feelings and needs. He is a very considerate friend, always thinking about others. It was considerate of her to call and check up on me.
deferential	Often used in hierarchical settings where showing respect to someone of higher status is expected. He was deferential to the company's CEO. Their manner was deferential, acknowledging her authority.
admiring	Shows deep approval and affection, often used in casual or informal contexts when expressing admiration for someone's traits or achievements. He gave her an admiring look. She was admiring his artwork for hours.

Examples of usage

She is always respectful towards her elders.
It's important to be respectful to others.
He gave a respectful nod to his opponent after the match.
The students showed respectful behavior during the ceremony.
The respectful way he spoke to her impressed everyone.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

tone

Polite in tone or manner.

Synonyms

civil, courteous, gracious, polite, well-mannered.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
respectful	Use when showing consideration for others' feelings, rights, or traditions. She was always respectful towards her elders. A respectful attitude can help in resolving conflicts.
polite	Good for everyday interactions where showing good manners and being considerate is important. It's essential to be polite to strangers. She gave a polite smile before entering the room.
courteous	Ideal for describing someone who is polite and well-mannered, often goes beyond basic politeness. The waiter was very courteous and attentive. She received a courteous reply to her inquiry.
civil	Appropriate when describing basic courtesy and politeness, often in formal or tense situations. Despite their disagreement, they remained civil throughout the meeting. It's important to be civil in all public interactions.
gracious	Best suited for describing someone who is very kind, generous, and polite, often in a warm and welcoming way. He was gracious in accepting the award. She offered a gracious invitation to her home.
well-mannered	This is suitable for describing someone who consistently shows good manners according to social norms. The children are well-mannered and respectful. He is known to be well-mannered at social events.

Examples of usage

He answered in a respectful tone.
The respectful way she addressed the audience was commendable.
Despite the disagreement, they remained respectful in their discussion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'respectus', meaning 'regard' or 'consideration'.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, reflecting a growing importance on social manners.
Originally, it was used primarily in a religious or formal context before becoming common in everyday conversation.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, showing respect to elders and authority figures is a fundamental value and is taught from a young age.
Respectful behavior can vary from culture to culture; for example, eye contact is considered respectful in some cultures and disrespectful in others.
Expressions of respect, such as bowing or using honorifics, are important social customs in countries like Japan and Korea.

Psychology

Being respectful is linked to better relationships, as it fosters trust and open communication.
Psychological studies find that showing respect to others can reduce conflict and increase cooperation in groups.
Respect in interpersonal interactions can enhance emotional well-being for both individuals involved.

Literature

In classic literature, characters who show respect are often portrayed as honorable or virtuous, highlighting moral lessons.
Many educational books for children emphasize the importance of being respectful to encourage good behavior from a young age.
Poets through the ages have captured the essence of respect as a vital human virtue necessary for harmonious living.

Modern Context

In today’s digital age, online interactions often highlight the need for respectful communication, as the anonymity can lead to disrespectful behavior.
Social movements emphasize respect for all individuals, advocating against discrimination and promoting equality.
Workplaces increasingly prioritize a respectful culture, knowing it enhances productivity and employee satisfaction.

Translations

Translations of the word "respectful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 respeitoso

🇮🇳 सम्मानजनक (sammaanjanak)

🇩🇪 respektvoll

🇮🇩 penuh hormat

🇺🇦 шанобливий

🇵🇱 szanujący

🇯🇵 敬意を表する (けいいをひょうする, keii wo hyou suru)

🇫🇷 respectueux

🇪🇸 respetuoso

🇹🇷 saygılı

🇰🇷 존경하는 (jongyeonghaneun)

🇸🇦 محترم (muhtarim)

🇨🇿 uctivý

🇸🇰 úctivý

🇨🇳 尊敬的 (zūnjìng de)

🇸🇮 spoštljiv

🇮🇸 virðingarmikill

🇰🇿 құрметті (qurmetti)

🇬🇪 პატივსაცემი (pativsacemi)

🇦🇿 hörmətli

🇲🇽 respetuoso

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,793, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10790 industrious
10791 traveler
10792 banished
10793 respectful
10794 hunted
10795 timid
10796 hanged
...