respected

1. 1
   verb

   Simple past and past participle of respect.

   Townspeople respected the doctor for treating everyone equally.

   She was respected by her peers throughout her long career.

   Note

   Here the verb keeps every meaning of respect, not only esteem. It also covers observing a rule and abiding by an agreement. As simple past it stands alone (both sides respected the truce); as past participle it follows have or be (the agreement has been respected). An obsolete use meant simply "regarded" or "deemed".

   Both sides respected the terms of the truce until spring.

   The old custom has always been respected in the village.

2. 2
   adjective

   Regarded as deserving respect, and given special honor or appreciation by others.

   As a respected scientist, she shaped public policy for decades.

   He was a deeply respected mentor to younger colleagues.

   Similaresteemed, revered, eminent, distinguished, reputable

   Oppositedisreputable, despised, disgraced, discredited

   Note

   A participle that has settled into a true adjective. Placed before a noun, as in a respected jurist, it describes a standing rather than an action, and it grades like any quality word: more respected, most respected, deeply respected. To tell it from the past form of respect, try very or more in front of it. If that works, it is the adjective. If a by-phrase names who does the respecting, it is the verb.

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