The meaning of RESPECTIVE is particular, separate. How to use respective in a sentence.

RESPECTIVE definition: pertaining individually or severally to each of a number of persons, things, etc.; particular. See examples of respective used in a sentence.

RESPECTIVE definition: 1. relating or belonging to each of the separate people or things you have just mentioned: 2…. Learn more.

Definition of respective adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Respective means relating or belonging separately to the individual people you have just mentioned. Steve and I were at very different stages in our respective careers.

Dec 16, 2025 · respective (not comparable) Relating to particular persons or things, each to each; particular; own. quotations

respective, adj. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

1. belonging or relating separately to each of several people or things; several: we took our respective ways home.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 re•spec•tive (ri spek′ tiv), adj. pertaining individually or severally to each of a number of persons, things, …

Respective comes from the Latin respectivus meaning "having regard for." Everyone has regard for what's respectively theirs. We have respective opinions, respective responsibilities, …