English Reference
noun · verb

respect

n. · v.
US /ɹiˈspɛkt/ UK /ɹɪspˈɛkt/ re·spect

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a feeling of deep admiration for someone because of their qualities or achievements.

    n.a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

    Simple

    The students have a lot of respect for their teacher because she is very fair.

    In context

    The retired diplomat commanded immense respect across the political spectrum for his role in brokering the peace treaty.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    n.polite greetings or a way to show you are thinking of someone, especially after a death.

    n.polite greetings or expressions of esteem, frequently used in formal contexts or when offering condolences.

    Simple

    Please give my respects to your parents when you see them this weekend.

    In context

    Hundreds of mourners gathered at the cathedral to pay their last respects to the former prime minister.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a particular detail, feature, or way of looking at something.

    n.a particular aspect, feature, or detail of a matter under consideration.

    Simple

    The two cars are similar in many respects, but the engine is different.

    In context

    While the new policy is an improvement in some respects, it fails to address the underlying issue of funding.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    v.to feel or show admiration for someone's skills or character.

    v.to admire someone or something deeply as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

    Simple

    I really respect the way he handled that difficult customer.

    In context

    Even those who disagreed with her policies respected her unwavering commitment to her principles.

  5. 05 B1 Intermediate

    v.to follow a rule, a law, or someone's wishes.

    v.to agree to or abide by a law, rule, custom, or person's privacy and wishes.

    Simple

    Visitors are asked to respect the silence of the library.

    In context

    The hikers were reminded to respect the boundaries of the private property and stay on the marked trails.

Usage mutual respect


From Middle English respect, from Old French respect, also respit (“respect, regard, consideration”), from Latin respectus (“a looking at, regard, respect”), perfect passive participle of respiciō (“look at, look back upon, respect”), from re- (“back”) + speciō (“to see”). Doublet of respite.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin respectus
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated