DictionaryAI

respect

ri-SPEKT/ɹɪˈspɛkt/

Pluralrespects (some meanings)

Verbrespects, respecting, respected

11 meanings of respect

Practice

  1. 1
    regard for othersnoununcountable
    A feeling that someone or something is good or important and deserves to be treated well.

    Like the careful way you treat something you really value.

    She treats her teachers with great respect.

    He showed respect for the rules of the house.

    UsageSay respect for someone: I have great respect for her.

    Similarregard, esteem, admiration, reverence, honor

    Oppositedisrespect, contempt, disdain, scorn

  2. 2
    value highlyverbtransitive
    To think highly of someone or something.

    I respect my grandmother for her wisdom.

    Children should respect their parents.

    UsageSay respect someone for something.

    Similaradmire, esteem, honor, value, revere

    Oppositedespise, scorn, disdain, disrespect

  3. 3
    abide byverbtransitive
    To follow a rule, custom, or agreement, or act with proper regard for someone's rights or wishes.

    Drivers must respect the speed limit.

    We respect the customs of our grandparents.

    UsageSay respect the rules or respect someone's privacy.

    Similarobserve, obey, honor, follow, heed

    Oppositeviolate, disregard, ignore, break

    Note
  4. 4
    aspectnouncountable
    One particular part, feature, or detail of something.

    Like looking at one side of a box while the other sides stay hidden.

    In every respect, the plan worked out well.

    The two cars differ in several respects.

    UsageSay in some respects: in some ways.

    Similaraspect, side, facet, feature, dimension

    Note
  5. 5
    take seriouslyverbtransitive
    To pay attention to something because it is important.

    A good captain respects the dangers of rough seas.

    We must respect the warnings posted on the trail.

    Similarheed, consider, regard

    Oppositeignore, disregard

    Note
  6. 6
    sympathynoununcountable
    Polite greetings, especially kind words offered to a family after someone has died.

    Hundreds came to pay their respects at the funeral.

    She stopped by the wake to offer her respects to the widow.

    UsageSay pay your respects.

    Similarcondolences

  7. 7
    be aboutverbtransitive
    To be about something or connected to it.
    Whatever they are else, they are always chastisements; and correction respects faults.
    1674, John Owen, Pneumatologia
    Glandulation respects the secretory vessels, which are either glandules, follicles, or utricles.
    1806, James Lee, An Introduction to Botany

    Similarconcern, involve, affect, address

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of respect apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from Latin respectus, meaning 'a looking at' or 'regard'. This came from a word meaning 'to look back at'.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts