respective
adjective
re·spec·tive
ri-ˈspek-tiv 
1
: particular, separate
their respective homes
2
obsolete
: partial, discriminative
respectiveness
noun
Examples of respective in a Sentence
it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways
Recent Examples on the Web
The three Lam children are standing on chairs in the common area, holding their respective passport photos and gazing into the camera.
—
Qian Julie Wang, New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2025
After all the clothing and laundry have been folded, and ideally, all socks have been found and compiled into their respective bin, then begin matching and folding socks together.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
The two are following their respective rehab plans closely and remain engaged with teammates and performance staff.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2025
As new details emerged, the communities bent them to their respective narratives.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respective
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Qian Julie Wang, New Yorker, 20 Sep. 2025
After all the clothing and laundry have been folded, and ideally, all socks have been found and compiled into their respective bin, then begin matching and folding socks together.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
The two are following their respective rehab plans closely and remain engaged with teammates and performance staff.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2025
As new details emerged, the communities bent them to their respective narratives.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respective
Cite this Entry
“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
respective
adjective
re·spec·tive
ri-ˈspek-tiv
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes
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