Respecting: meaning, definitions and examples

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respecting

[rɪˈspɛktɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

showing admiration

Feeling or showing deep admiration for someone or something. It involves treating others with kindness, consideration, and politeness.

Synonyms

admire, esteem, honour, regard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
respecting	Used to show consideration or concern for someone's feelings, rights, or traditions. It can also indicate adherence to rules or laws. She always behaves respectfully, ensuring she doesn't offend anyone. Respecting others' privacy is important in a healthy relationship.
admire	Expresses a positive evaluation or appreciation of someone or something, often for their qualities, skills, or achievements. I really admire her dedication to her work. He admires the artist's unique style.
esteem	Indicates a high level of respect and admiration for someone, usually due to their abilities, character, or achievements. She is held in high esteem by her colleagues. He has great esteem for his mentor.
honour	Used to show profound respect and recognition, often accompanied by formal ceremonies or official recognition. It can also reflect a sense of duty and integrity. They gathered to honour the brave soldiers. She strives to live a life of honour and integrity.
regard	Shows a general sense of respect or consideration for someone or something. It can also mean paying attention to or considering something. He holds his teachers in high regard. She has great regard for environmental issues.

Examples of usage

He always respected his elders.
She respected her colleague's opinion.
They respected the rules of the game.
We should respect nature and the environment.
I respect your decision to leave.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

following rules or traditions

To comply with or adhere to (a rule, a standard, etc.). It involves acknowledging the authority or validity of something.

Synonyms

adhere to, comply with, follow, obey.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
respecting	Use when showing admiration or consideration for someone or something, often involving feelings of esteem or regard. He is respecting his mentor's advice on career choices. Respecting different cultures is important in a globalized world.
comply with	Use when fulfilling or following official regulations, standards, or requests, generally in legal or formal contexts. All facilities must comply with health and safety regulations. The manufacturer complies with the new environmental laws.
obey	Use when acting according to orders or rules, often implying authority or compulsion; can have a more authoritative or strict connotation. Children are expected to obey their parents. Soldiers must obey their commanders without question.
follow	Use when going along with a path, set of instructions, or behavior example, typically implying general conformity or succession. You should follow the instructions on the manual to set up the device. The students follow the teacher's lead during the class.
adhere to	Use when sticking firmly to rules, policies, or plans, often suggesting a sense of commitment or strictness. Employees must adhere to the company's dress code. She always tries to adhere to her workout schedule.

Examples of usage

He respected the terms of the agreement.
She respected the customs of the country.
They respected the traditions of their ancestors.
We should respect the laws of the land.
Respecting deadlines is important in this project.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

esteem or regard

A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

Synonyms

admiration, esteem, honour, regard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
respecting	Used to show a polite or formal attitude toward others; also often used in legal or formal documents. She always behaves respectfully towards her teachers. Respecting your elders is an important value in our family.
esteem	Denotes a high level of respect and often implies that the respect is deserved; typically used in more formal or professional contexts. The professor is held in high esteem by her colleagues. He earned the esteem of his peers through his hard work.
admiration	Shows a strong feeling of approval and liking towards someone or something; often used when expressing how much someone is impressed by another person. He spoke with great admiration about his mentor. Her performance earned the admiration of the entire audience.
regard	Shows a general sense of respect or consideration, but less intense than 'esteem' or 'honour'; can be used in both casual and formal settings. She has a great regard for her team members. Please send my regards to your family.
honour	Implies a deep respect for someone, often because of their high moral or heroic qualities; frequently used in formal and ceremonial contexts. It was an honour to meet the president. He was honoured for his bravery during the rescue mission.

Examples of usage

She has great respect for her mentor.
He has earned the respect of his peers.
They have a mutual respect for each other.
We should treat others with respect.
Respect is a key element in any relationship.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'respect' comes from the Latin 'respectus', which means 'looking back' or 'regard for something'.
'Respecting' developed in English around the 16th century, evolving from the noun 'respect' to emphasize the action of respecting.
The prefix 're-' indicates doing something again, while 'spect' relates to seeing, highlighting the idea of repeatedly valuing someone.

Psychology

Respect is crucial for healthy relationships, as it promotes trust and empathy between individuals.
Studies show that feeling respected can improve mental well-being and boost self-esteem.
In educational settings, students who experience respect from teachers are more likely to engage and succeed academically.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures hold respect as a fundamental value, often teaching it from a young age to encourage harmonious living.
In some Asian cultures, respect for elders is deeply ingrained, influencing social interactions and family hierarchies.
Respecting differences in race, gender, and beliefs is increasingly emphasized in modern societies to promote inclusion and diversity.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Kant argue that respect is intrinsic to moral duty, as individuals deserve respect simply by being human.
The concept of 'personal dignity' is closely intertwined with respecting others, suggesting that every individual has inherent worth.
Respecting autonomy—allowing others to make their own choices—is a key principle in ethical discussions and debates.

Pop Culture

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, made famous by Aretha Franklin's iconic song, became an anthem for empowerment and social justice.
Films and shows often depict respect as a transformative force, illustrating its power to change characters' lives for the better.
In sports, showing respect for opponents is celebrated, with many leagues promoting sportsmanship as a core value.

Translations

Translations of the word "respecting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 respeitando

🇮🇳 सम्मान करना

🇩🇪 respektierend

🇮🇩 menghormati

🇺🇦 поважаючи

🇵🇱 szanujący

🇯🇵 尊重する

🇫🇷 respectant

🇪🇸 respetando

🇹🇷 saygı gösteren

🇰🇷 존중하는

🇸🇦 محترم

🇨🇿 respektující

🇸🇰 rešpektujúci

🇨🇳 尊重

🇸🇮 spoštovanje

🇮🇸 virða

🇰🇿 құрмет көрсету

🇬🇪 პატივისცემა

🇦🇿 hörmət etmək

🇲🇽 respetando

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,115, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4112 explore
4113 rating
4114 reception
4115 respecting
4116 expedition
4117 exploration
4118 withdrawn
...