Word
respectful
Phoneticsre·spect·ful, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹɪˈspɛktfəɫ/
UK/ɹɪspˈɛktfəl/
Definition
adj. showing that you admire someone or think they are important. You use this to describe polite behavior that follows the rules of a place or culture.
adj. characterised by or showing politeness and deference toward others. Often describes behavior that adheres to social or professional protocols.
Examples
“The students were very respectful during the guest speaker's talk.”
“A respectful silence fell over the crowd as the memorial service began.”
“Maintaining a respectful distance from local customs while observing them is a hallmark of a culturally sensitive traveler.”
Examples
simple
“The students were very respectful during the guest speaker's talk.”
contextual
“A respectful silence fell over the crowd as the memorial service began.”
complex
“Maintaining a respectful distance from local customs while observing them is a hallmark of a culturally sensitive traveler.”
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'of' when referring to rules or boundaries.
Pitfall
He was very respectable to his teacher.
He was very respectful to his teacher.
Learners confuse 'respectful' (showing respect) with 'respectable' (worthy of respect or socially acceptable).
Confusables
Respectful describes the person giving the respect, while respectable describes the person or thing receiving social approval.
RememberRespectful = Full of respect. Respectable = Able to be respected.
Etymology
From respect + -ful.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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