Respectful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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respectful
[rษชหspษktfสl ]
Definitions
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.
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| courteous |
Perfect for formal or semi-formal situations to show impeccable manners and politeness.
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| polite |
Commonly used in everyday situations to show general good manners, appreciation, or respect.
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| considerate |
Used when highlighting someoneโs thoughtfulness and care for others' feelings and needs.
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| deferential |
Often used in hierarchical settings where showing respect to someone of higher status is expected.
|
| admiring |
Shows deep approval and affection, often used in casual or informal contexts when expressing admiration for someone's traits or achievements.
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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.
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.
|
| polite |
Good for everyday interactions where showing good manners and being considerate is important.
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| courteous |
Ideal for describing someone who is polite and well-mannered, often goes beyond basic politeness.
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| civil |
Appropriate when describing basic courtesy and politeness, often in formal or tense situations.
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| gracious |
Best suited for describing someone who is very kind, generous, and polite, often in a warm and welcoming way.
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| well-mannered |
This is suitable for describing someone who consistently shows good manners according to social norms.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 todayโs 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.
Origin of 'respectful'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'respectful' originated from the Latin word 'respectus', which means 'regard' or 'consideration'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The concept of showing respect and admiration towards others has been valued in various cultures throughout history. Being respectful is often seen as a virtue that fosters positive relationships and harmony in society.
See also: disrespect, disrespectful, disrespectfully, disrespectfulness, disrespects, respect, respectability, respectable, respected, respectfully, respectfulness, respecting, respective, respectively.