ENGLISH
REFERENCE

respect

n. uncountable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ɹiˈspɛkt// UK //ɹɪspˈɛkt// re·spect Archaic General-service

n. a feeling of deep admiration for someone because of their good qualities or achievements. It also means treating people politely and caring about their feelings.

n. a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. It also encompasses due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others.


SIMPLE

I have a lot of respect for my grandfather.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager earned the respect of her team by always listening to their ideas and treating them fairly.

COMPLEX

Mutual respect is the foundation of any healthy diplomatic relationship, requiring both nations to acknowledge each other's sovereignty even when their political interests diverge.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to admiration or consideration; countable when meaning a specific detail or aspect. Commonly takes the preposition 'for'.

© 2026 English Reference