Respectful — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ri-ˈspekt-fəl/ re·spect·ful

Meaning & Definition of Respectful

Respectful (adjective)

  1. marked by or showing respect or deference

Respectful (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status

    "the children were remarkably respectful while in the president's office"

    similar: deferent, deferential, dutiful, regardful
    related: reverent, reverential, venerating, worshipful, fawning, genuflecting, groveling, hagiographic, kowtowing, obsequious, servile, subservient, sycophantic, toadying, civil, courteous, gracious, polite, kid-glove, kid-gloved
    opposite: disrespectful, undutiful
    near: abusive, insulting, offensive, belittling, demeaning, depreciative, depreciatory, derogatory, disparaging, contemptuous, impudent, irreverent, scornful, discourteous, insolent, rude, uncivil

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Respectful

The most common words with a similar meaning to Respectful:

deferent, deferential, dutiful, regardful

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Respectful

Words with the opposite meaning of Respectful:

disrespectful, undutiful

Related Words for Respectful

reverent, reverential, venerating, worshipful, fawning, genuflecting, groveling, hagiographic, kowtowing, obsequious, servile, subservient, sycophantic, toadying, civil, courteous, gracious, polite, kid-glove, kid-gloved

Near Antonyms of Respectful

abusive, insulting, offensive, belittling, demeaning, depreciative, depreciatory, derogatory, disparaging, contemptuous, impudent, irreverent, scornful, discourteous, insolent, rude, uncivil

Word Forms of Respectful

Derived words: respectfully (adverb), respectfulness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Respectful

First known use: 1593

Frequently Asked Questions about Respectful

What does "Respectful" mean?

"Respectful" means marked by or showing respect or deference. As an adjective, it is defined as: marked by or showing respect or deference.

What is another word for "Respectful"?

Other words for "Respectful" include deferent, deferential, dutiful and regardful. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Respectful" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Respectful"?

There are 24 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Respectful". Common alternatives include deferent, deferential, dutiful and regardful.

What is the opposite of "Respectful"?

Antonyms of "Respectful" include disrespectful and undutiful. Near antonyms include abusive, insulting, offensive and belittling.

How do you use "Respectful" in a sentence?

Examples of "Respectful" in a sentence: "the children were remarkably respectful while in the president's office".

Is "Respectful" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Respectful" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Respectful"?

"Respectful" is pronounced /ri-ˈspekt-fəl/ and divided into syllables as re·spect·ful.

What is the origin of the word "Respectful"?

First known use: 1593.