Respective vs. Respected — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 17, 2024
Respective refers to things belonging separately to each individual, while respected means being admired or esteemed by others.
Difference Between Respective and Respected
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Respective is used to denote things that belong individually to each of two or more people or items mentioned. For example, "They returned to their respective homes" means each person went back to their own home. Respected, on the other hand, describes someone or something that is highly regarded or admired, such as "a respected teacher" indicating that the teacher is well-regarded by others.
Respective often appears in contexts where individual ownership or association is emphasized. For instance, "The participants took their respective seats" highlights that each participant took a specific seat assigned to them. Respected conveys admiration or esteem, typically in a professional or social context, such as "a respected leader" indicating that the leader is held in high regard.
While respective focuses on the distinct or separate association with individuals, respected focuses on the recognition and admiration one receives from others. For example, "They presented their respective opinions" versus "He is a highly respected scientist."
In writing, respective is typically used to clarify ownership or association, whereas respected is used to convey a sense of honor or esteem.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Belonging separately to each person or thing
Admired or esteemed by others
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Usage Context
Individual ownership or association
Recognition and admiration
Example Sentence
They went to their respective houses.
She is a respected member of the community.
Connotation
Neutral
Positive
Typical Use
Clarifying individual relations
Indicating admiration or high regard
Compare with Definitions
Respective
Associated with each mentioned item.
The experts shared their respective viewpoints on the topic.
Respected
Held in high regard within a community or profession.
The company is respected for its ethical practices.
Respective
Relating to each of two or more persons or things individually.
The authors discussed their respective chapters in the meeting.
Respected
Regarded with esteem or honor.
She is a respected professor in her field of study.
Respective
Relating to two or more persons or things regarded individually; particular
Successful in their respective fields.
Respected
Considered to be of high quality or merit.
He is a respected author known for his insightful books.
Respective
Relating to particular persons or things, each to each; particular; own.
They returned to their respective places of abode.
Respected
Valued and trusted by others.
Her opinions are respected by her colleagues and peers.
Respective
(obsolete) Noticing with attention; careful; wary.
Respected
A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem
I have great respect for your work.
Respective
(obsolete) Looking toward; having reference to; relative, not absolute.
The respective connections of society
Respected
The state of being regarded with honor or esteem
A leader held in the greatest respect.
Respective
(obsolete) Fitted to awaken respect.
Respected
Consideration or appreciation
Can't you at least give me some respect?.
Respective
(obsolete) Rendering respect; respectful; regardful.
Respected
Due regard for something considered important or authoritative
Respect for the law.
Respective
Noticing with attention; hence, careful; wary; considerate.
If you look upon the church of England with a respective eye, you can not . . . refuse this charge.
Respected
A particular aspect, feature, or detail
In many respects this is an important decision.
Respective
Looking towardl having reference to; relative, not absolute; as, the respective connections of society.
Respected
Usage Problem Relation; reference. See Usage Note at regard.
Respective
Relating to particular persons or things, each to each; particular; own; as, they returned to their respective places of abode.
Respected
To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem or admire
All the other scholars respect her.
Respective
Fitted to awaken respect.
Respected
To avoid interfering with or intruding upon
Please respect my privacy.
Respective
Rendering respect; respectful; regardful.
With respective shame, rose, took us by the hands.
With thy equals familiar, yet respective.
Respected
To avoid violating
I respected the speed limit throughout the trip.
Respective
Considered individually;
The respective club members
Specialists in their several fields
The various reports all agreed
Respected
To relate or refer to; concern
As respects the rights of land owners, this law says nothing.
Respective
Belonging separately to each mentioned person or thing.
The students returned to their respective dorm rooms after class.
Respected
Deserving of respect; due special honor or appreciation.
He was a respected jurist and his death will be a loss to the profession.
Respective
Pertaining individually to each one in a group.
The teams wore their respective uniforms for the match.
Respected
Simple past tense and past participle of respect
Respective
Relating to or concerning particular individuals.
The winners were announced, and they received their respective awards.
Respected
Receiving deferential regard;
A respected family
Respected
Having or worthy of pride;
Redoubtable scholar of the Renaissance
Born of a redoubtable family
Respected
Admired by many people for qualities or achievements.
The judge is highly respected for his fairness.
Common Curiosities
What does respected mean?
Respected means being admired or esteemed by others.
Can respective and respected be used interchangeably?
No, they have different meanings and usage contexts.
What is an example of using respective in a sentence?
"The partners went to their respective offices after the meeting."
What is an example of using respected in a sentence?
"She is a highly respected doctor in the medical community."
When should I use respective?
Use respective when emphasizing individual ownership or association in a group.
Is respective positive or negative?
Respective is neutral; it clarifies individual ownership or association.
Is respected positive or negative?
Respected is positive; it conveys admiration or high regard.
Does respected relate to groups or individuals?
Respected can relate to both individuals and groups who are admired.
Is respective commonly used in formal writing?
Yes, respective is often used to clarify individual associations in formal writing.
What does respective mean?
Respective means belonging separately to each mentioned person or thing.
Can respective be used to describe feelings?
No, respective describes ownership or association, not feelings.
When should I use respected?
Use respected when indicating that someone or something is admired or held in high esteem.
Can respected be used to describe feelings?
Yes, respected describes the admiration or high regard others have.
Does respective relate to groups or individuals?
Respective relates to individuals within a group.
Is respected commonly used in formal writing?
Yes, respected is frequently used to convey admiration and esteem in formal contexts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
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.
