C1adjectiveformal5K

Respective

UK /["/rɪˈspektɪv/"]/US /["/rɪˈspektɪv/"]/

Definition

belonging or relating separately to each of the people or things already mentioned

In simple words: related to each person or thing in a group

Examples

  • They are each recognized specialists in their respective fields.
  • the respective roles of men and women in society

Usage notes

Use 'respective' mainly in formal contexts when referring to items belonging to different subjects, like 'students and their respective scores'. It's not usually used in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

respective + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'respective' as 'respect for each' - relating to individuals with their own roles.

Collocations

  • respective roles
  • respective positions
  • respective teams

Synonyms

  • particular
  • individual
  • corresponding
  • specific

Antonyms

  • generic
  • common
  • shared

Common mistakes

  • Using 'respectively' instead of 'respective' when discussing two things together.
  • Confusing 'respective' with 'respected' or 'respectful'.
  • Placing 'respective' incorrectly in the sentence structure.