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Respective Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ฅ
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respective

[rษชหˆspษ›ktษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in relation to each one of the two or more things

Relating or belonging to each of the separate people or things you have just mentioned. Used before a noun.

Synonyms

individual, own, particular, specific.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
respective

Use 'respective' when you want to refer to specific items belonging to or relating to two or more people or things mentioned earlier. It highlights the relationship between different items in a list.

  • The students collected their respective awards after the ceremony.
  • Each member presented their findings in their respective fields.
individual

Use 'individual' when emphasizing the separateness or uniqueness of one person or item in a group. It often highlights personal or unique characteristics.

  • Each individual has their own strengths and weaknesses.
  • The project focuses on individual contributions from each team member.
specific

Use 'specific' to refer to something clearly defined or identified, in a way that leaves no doubt. It emphasizes exactness and precision.

  • Can you provide a specific example to illustrate your point?
  • The instructions need to be more specific.
particular

Use 'particular' when you want to single out one person, thing, or situation as being distinct or specific among others. It adds emphasis on specificity and detail.

  • He has a particular interest in ancient history.
  • Is there a particular reason why you are asking?
own

Use 'own' to show possession or that something belongs specifically to someone or something. It emphasizes personal ownership.

  • She has her own office in the new building.
  • They decided to go on their own adventure.

Examples of usage

  • The respective merits of each candidate will be taken into consideration.
  • Please return the keys to their respective owners.
  • I will meet you at our respective offices.
Context #2 | Adjective

separate or particular

Belonging or relating separately to each of the people or things that have been mentioned.

Synonyms

individual, particular, specific.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
respective

Used when referring to something that belongs to or relates to each one of the people or things already mentioned, often in a way that is individual to each.

  • The students were sent to their respective classrooms
  • The employees received their respective assignments
individual

Suitable when emphasizing one person or thing among a larger group. Often used to highlight uniqueness or personal characteristics.

  • Each student has their own individual learning style
  • The project requires an individual approach
specific

Used when referring to something clearly defined and detailed, often to avoid vagueness. Emphasizes precision.

  • Can you give me a specific example? The instructions were very specific and easy to follow
particular

Best used when discussing something specific that is different from others, often implying a sense of narrow focus or detail.

  • Is there a particular reason for your visit? She is very particular about how her coffee is prepared

Examples of usage

  • They went their respective ways after the meeting.
  • Each family member has their respective duties.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Usage in Language

  • In sentences, 'respective' is often used to clarify roles or ownership, especially in formal contexts.
  • The term can sometimes be confused with 'respectfully', but they serve different grammatical purposes.

Literature

  • In classical literature, 'respective' is frequently found in discussions about charactersโ€™ duties or relationships.
  • Modern novels may use the term to emphasize differing perspectives among characters.

Pop Culture

  • The word can often be heard in speeches or presentations when addressing multiple audiences or departments.
  • Reality shows sometimes showcase 'respective' challenges to highlight the differences among contestants.

Education

  • Teachers use 'respective' to help students understand that assignments might vary by grade level or individual needs.
  • In group work, it clarifies each member's responsibilities, ensuring accountability.

Origin of 'respective'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'respective' comes from the Latin 'respectivus', meaning 'looking back' or 'considering'.
  • It entered the English language in the 16th century, becoming a staple in formal writing.

The word 'respective' originated from the Latin word 'respectivus', which means 'belonging to or concerning each'. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century. Over time, 'respective' has been commonly used to indicate separate or individual relationships or belongings.

See also: disrespect, disrespectful, disrespectfully, disrespectfulness, disrespects, respect, respectability, respectable, respected, respectful, respectfully, respectfulness, respecting, respectively.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,273, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.