ENGLISH
REFERENCE

respectful

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ɹɪˈspɛktfəɫ// UK //ɹɪspˈɛktfəl// re·spect·ful

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.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From respect + -ful.

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).

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