Respectfulness vs. Respect — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 25, 2024
Respectfulness refers to the quality of showing respect through actions or words, while respect is a feeling of admiration or deference towards someone or something.
Difference Between Respectfulness and Respect
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Respectfulness is characterized by actions and behaviors that convey admiration or deference, whereas respect can exist as an internal feeling without outward expression.
Respectfulness is often demonstrated through polite gestures, considerate actions, and courteous behavior, on the other hand, respect can be silently held and not visibly displayed.
Respectfulness requires an understanding of social norms and etiquette to appropriately show respect in various situations, while respect itself can be more personally defined and felt towards individuals, ideas, or institutions.
Respectfulness is typically about the manner in which someone interacts with others, reflecting their attitude and upbringing, whereas respect can be inspired by qualities such as integrity, bravery, or intelligence.
Respectfulness is evaluated by others based on observable behavior, whereas respect is a subjective evaluation that may not be visible to others.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The quality of showing respect through actions or demeanor.
A feeling of deep admiration or deference.
Expression
Externally visible in behavior and actions.
Can be internal and not visibly expressed.
Based on
Social norms and etiquette.
Personal admiration and values.
Evaluated by
Others based on visible behavior.
Self, based on personal feelings.
Required context
Interpersonal interactions and social settings.
Can exist in thoughts or feelings.
Compare with Definitions
Respectfulness
Demonstrating consideration and courtesy to others.
His respectfulness was evident when he patiently waited his turn.
Respect
Due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.
He showed great respect for his colleague's request for privacy.
Respectfulness
Adhering to social etiquette in various settings.
Her respectfulness at dinner impressed her host.
Respect
Esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person.
Her respect for the novelist is due to his insightful writings.
Respectfulness
Exhibiting polite and reverent behavior towards authority.
The students' respectfulness towards the teacher created a supportive classroom environment.
Respect
An expression of honor or reverence.
They paid their respects at her memorial service.
Respectfulness
Acting in a way that shows regard for others' feelings and rights.
He showed his respectfulness by listening attentively.
Respect
Consideration or thoughtfulness.
His decision was made with respect to the team's feedback.
Respectfulness
Observing formalities in communication or actions.
Their respectfulness during the meeting fostered a positive discussion.
Respect
Admiration felt or shown for someone or something that you believe has good ideas or qualities.
She has earned widespread respect for her research in microbiology.
Respectfulness
Showing or marked by proper respect.
Respect
Respect, also called esteem, is a positive feeling or action shown towards someone or something considered important or held in high esteem or regard. It conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities.
Respectfulness
The characteristic of being respectful.
Respect
A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem
I have great respect for your work.
Respectfulness
Courteous regard for people's feelings;
In deference to your wishes
Out of respect for his privacy
Respect
The state of being regarded with honor or esteem
A leader held in the greatest respect.
Respect
Consideration or appreciation
Can't you at least give me some respect?.
Respect
Due regard for something considered important or authoritative
Respect for the law.
Respect
A particular aspect, feature, or detail
In many respects this is an important decision.
Respect
Usage Problem Relation; reference. See Usage Note at regard.
Respect
To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem or admire
All the other scholars respect her.
Respect
To avoid interfering with or intruding upon
Please respect my privacy.
Respect
To avoid violating
I respected the speed limit throughout the trip.
Respect
To relate or refer to; concern
As respects the rights of land owners, this law says nothing.
Respect
(uncountable) an attitude of consideration or high regard
He is an intellectual giant, and I have great respect for him.
We do respect people for their dignity and worth.
Respect
(uncountable) good opinion, honor, or admiration
Respect
Polite greetings, often offered as condolences after a death.
The mourners paid their last respects to the deceased poet.
Respect
(countable) a particular aspect, feature or detail of something
This year's model is superior to last year's in several respects.
Respect
Good will; favor
Respect
To have respect for.
She is an intellectual giant, and I respect her greatly.
Respect
To have regard for something, to observe a custom, practice, rule or right.
I respect your right to hold that belief, although I think it is nonsense.
I respect your right to feel offended, even though most people, myself included, totally disagree and don’t find the comment offensive in the slightest.
Respect
To abide by an agreement.
They failed to respect the treaty they had signed, and invaded.
Respect
To take notice of; to regard as worthy of special consideration; to heed.
Respect
To relate to; to be concerned with.
Respect
(obsolete) To regard; to consider; to deem.
Respect
(obsolete) To look toward; to face.
Respect
(Jamaica) hello, hi
Respect
To take notice of; to regard with special attention; to regard as worthy of special consideration; hence, to care for; to heed.
Thou respectest not spilling Edward's blood.
In orchards and gardens, we do not so much respect beauty as variety of ground for fruits, trees, and herbs.
Respect
To consider worthy of esteem; to regard with honor.
Respect
To look toward; to front upon or toward.
Palladius adviseth the front of his house should so respect the uth.
Respect
To regard; to consider; to deem.
To whom my father gave this name of Gaspar,And as his own respected him to death.
Respect
To have regard to; to have reference to; to relate to; as, the treaty particularly respects our commerce.
Respect
The act of noticing with attention; the giving particular consideration to; hence, care; caution.
But he it well did ward with wise respect.
Respect
Esteem; regard; consideration; honor.
Seen without awe, and served without respect.
The same men treat the Lord's Day with as little respect.
Respect
An expression of respect of deference; regards; as, to send one's respects to another.
Respect
Reputation; repute.
Many of the best respect in Rome.
Respect
Particular; point regarded; point of view; as, in this respect; in any respect; in all respects.
Everything which is imperfect, as the world must be acknowledged in many respects.
In one respect I'll be thy assistant.
Respect
Relation; reference; regard.
They believed but one Supreme Deity, which, with respect to the various benefits men received from him, had several titles.
Respect
Consideration; motive; interest.
To the publik goodPrivate respects must yield.
Respect
(usually preceded by `in') a detail or point;
It differs in that respect
Respect
The condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded);
It is held in esteem
A man who has earned high regard
Respect
An attitude of admiration or esteem;
She lost all respect for him
Respect
A courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard;
His deference to her wishes was very flattering
Be sure to give my respects to the dean
Respect
Behavior intended to please your parents;
Their children were never very strong on obedience
He went to law school out of respect for his father's wishes
Respect
A feeling of friendship and esteem;
She mistook his manly regard for love
He inspires respect
Respect
Courteous regard for people's feelings;
In deference to your wishes
Out of respect for his privacy
Respect
Regard highly; think much of;
I respect his judgement
We prize his creativity
Respect
Show respect towards;
Honor your parents!
Common Curiosities
Does respect have to be earned, or is it given freely?
Respect is typically something that is earned based on one’s actions, qualities, or achievements, though basic respect should be afforded to everyone as a matter of human dignity.
Can you have respect without respectfulness?
Yes, one can feel respect internally without necessarily displaying it outwardly through respectful behavior.
Is respectfulness always required to earn respect?
While not always required, showing respectfulness can often help in earning respect from others.
Can respectfulness be misinterpreted?
Yes, overly formal or deferential behavior in some cultures might be seen as insincere or unnecessary in others.
What are some common signs of disrespect?
Ignoring someone, interrupting while they are speaking, or demeaning someone’s ideas or personality.
How can one show respectfulness in a professional setting?
By being polite, listening actively, and honoring the opinions and positions of others.
What is the main difference between respectfulness and respect?
Respectfulness is about the demonstration of respect through actions or behavior, whereas respect is an internal feeling of admiration or deference.
How does culture influence perceptions of respect and respectfulness?
Cultural norms dictate what is considered respectful or disrespectful, which can vary widely between different societies.
What role does respect play in leadership?
Leaders who show respect to others tend to inspire loyalty, cooperation, and a positive workplace culture.
How can one improve their respectfulness?
By learning about and practicing good manners, being considerate of others, and understanding different social expectations.
How can teachers foster respectfulness in students?
By modeling respectful behavior, setting clear expectations, and teaching the importance of courtesy and politeness.
Is it possible to disagree respectfully?
Absolutely, one can express differing views or disagreements while still being polite and considerate, which is a form of respectfulness.
Can respectfulness impact one's career?
Demonstrating respectfulness can positively impact one’s career by enhancing relationships with colleagues and superiors.
What are the consequences of a lack of respect in the workplace?
It can lead to conflicts, reduced morale, and an overall decrease in productivity and job satisfaction.
Why is respect important in relationships?
Respect forms the foundation of trust and understanding, crucial for healthy and supportive relationships.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
