respective
adjective
re·spec·tive
| \ ri-ˈspek-tiv
\
\
Definition of respective
1
: particular, separate
their respective homes
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Synonyms & Antonyms for respective
Synonyms
different, individual, separate
Antonyms
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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
Two units that are being discussed as the best in the nation at their respective positions will go head-to-head on Saturday. — Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, "Tiger Buzz: Breaking down Auburn-Oregon," 31 Aug. 2019 Early surge All eyes were on how Day and new starting quarterback Justin Fields would begin their respective, and inevitably entwined, tenures. — Nathan Baird, cleveland.com, "Ohio State must build on defensive start from 45-21 victory over Florida Atlantic," 31 Aug. 2019 Nauta and Johnson had long odds to make the Lions' roster because of the depth at their respective positions. — Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Lions 2019 late draft picks Isaac Nauta, P.J. Johnson among cuts," 31 Aug. 2019 Their extensive scientific expertise in their respective fields offers valuable knowledge that will directly benefit the consumers who depend on America’s safe, affordable, and nutritious food supply. — Laura Reiley, Washington Post, "How the Trump administration limited the scope of the USDA’s 2020 dietary guidelines," 30 Aug. 2019 Individual services train and equip their respective forces but do not send them into battle. — The Economist, "Donald Trump creates Space Command but must wait for Space Force," 30 Aug. 2019 Excluding the cost of the ground lease in the respective transactions, the Plaza del Rey complex produced a 58 percent gain in value in a roughly four-year period between the two deals. — George Avalos, The Mercury News, "Big Sunnyvale mobile home park is bought by Chicago investors," 30 Aug. 2019 Kokonas and chef/partner Grant Achatz both share supper-club memories from their respective childhoods, reflected in the restaurants. — Phil Vettel, chicagotribune.com, "Ya hey where? Wisconsin-style supper club offers near perfect prime rib in a Fulton Market basement," 29 Aug. 2019 More than 70 barefoot water ski athletes competed in respective divisions for titles in wake slalom, tricks, jumping and overall during the three-day event. — Gary Curreri, sun-sentinel.com, "Delray Beach barefoot waterskiier takes third in nation," 29 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'respective.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for respective
respective
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of respective
: belonging or relating to each one of the people or things that have been mentioned
See the full definition for respective in the English Language Learners Dictionary
respective
adjective
re·spec·tive
| \ ri-ˈspek-tiv
\
\
Kids Definition of respective
: not the same or shared : separate
They hurried to their respective homes.
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