Respectfulness: meaning, definitions and examples

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respectfulness

[rɪˈspɛktfəlnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in relationships

The quality of being respectful, courteous, and considerate towards others.

Synonyms

civility, consideration, courtesy, politeness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
respectfulness	Use in situations where you want to show deep admiration for someone's abilities, qualities, or achievements. It indicates a higher degree of honor and esteem. Her respectfulness towards her teachers was evident in her attentive behavior. Showing respectfulness in a professional environment can lead to better relationships.
politeness	Can be used in everyday situations to indicate basic good manners and respectful behavior. It is a fundamental social skill in both casual and formal interactions. Politeness is important when greeting strangers or speaking in public. She thanked the waiter with politeness for his attentive service.
civility	Appropriate in contexts where social interactions need to be conducted with basic manners and decency. It emphasizes formal politeness and genuine behavior in public settings. The debate was held with a high level of civility despite differing opinions. Civility in online discussions helps maintain productive conversations.
courtesy	Typically used to describe polite behavior that shows respect for others, often in formal or semi-formal settings. It highlights actions that reflect social decorum. The host's courtesy made all the guests feel welcome. Expressing courtesy by holding the door open for others is a small yet significant gesture.
consideration	Best used in scenarios where thoughtfulness and concern for others' feelings, needs, or situations are required. It signifies careful attention and kindly regard. He always shows great consideration for his colleagues by listening to their concerns. Your consideration in helping the elderly woman cross the street was commendable.

Examples of usage

He always treats his colleagues with respectfulness.
She showed great respectfulness towards her elders.
We should aim to cultivate respectfulness in all our interactions.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in behavior

The act of showing deference or esteem towards someone or something.

Synonyms

deference, esteem, reverence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
respectfulness	Use in general situations to describe courteous and considerate behavior towards others. Her respectfulness towards her teachers made her very popular The meeting was conducted with great respectfulness
deference	Appropriate in situations where one is showing humility or yielding to someone else's opinion or authority, often out of respect. He showed deference to his elderly neighbor's advice In deference to her boss, she agreed to schedule the meeting for the next day
esteem	Typically used to express a high level of admiration or regard for someone's abilities, qualities, or achievements. She earned the esteem of her colleagues through her hard work His innovations were held in high esteem by the scientific community
reverence	Best used in situations where deep respect and awe are involved, often in a religious or highly respectful context. The monks showed great reverence for their spiritual leader She spoke of the historical figure with reverence

Examples of usage

His respectfulness towards authority figures is commendable.
The respectfulness he displayed towards the traditions of the community was admirable.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'respect' comes from the Latin 'respectus', meaning 'to look back at' or 'to regard', emphasizing the attention given to others.
The suffix '-fulness' means 'full of', thus 'respectfulness' translates to being full of regard for others.
The term evolved in English around the 16th century, initially emphasizing deference in social interactions.

Cultural Perspectives

In many Indigenous cultures, respect for elders is paramount, often guiding community decisions and teachings.
Japanese culture emphasizes 'respectfulness' through practices like bowing, showcasing honor and humility in social interactions.
In Western cultures, respectfulness can vary significantly in contexts such as workplace behavior and familial relationships.

Psychology

Research indicates that showing respectfulness in relationships promotes better communication and reduces conflict.
Being respectful can positively affect mental health, as it fosters both the giver's and the receiver's self-esteem.
Neuroscience studies show that acts of respect can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that strengthens social bonds.

Education

Teaching respectfulness is vital in schools, encouraging cooperation and creating a positive learning environment.
Programs focused on social-emotional learning often incorporate respectfulness as a core value for student interactions.
Role-playing and group activities are effective methods in classrooms to foster understanding and practice respectfulness.

Literature

Classic literature often explores themes of respect versus contempt, highlighting characters who embody or disregard respectfulness.
Authors like Maya Angelou have emphasized respectfulness in their works, advocating for dignity and humanity in all interactions.
In many modern novels, respectfulness is portrayed as a crucial element in resolving conflict and building relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "respectfulness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 respeitabilidade

🇮🇳 सम्मान

🇩🇪 Respekt

🇮🇩 kehormatan

🇺🇦 шанобливість

🇵🇱 szacunek

🇯🇵 尊敬

🇫🇷 respect

🇪🇸 respeto

🇹🇷 saygı

🇰🇷 존경

🇸🇦 احترام

🇨🇿 úcta

🇸🇰 úcta

🇨🇳 尊重

🇸🇮 spoštovanje

🇮🇸 virðing

🇰🇿 құрмет

🇬🇪 პატივისცემა

🇦🇿 hörmət

🇲🇽 respeto