# respectful

/ɹɪˈspɛktfəɫ/ (US) · /ɹɪspˈɛktfəl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/respectful
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was very respectable to his teacher." but "He was very respectful to his teacher." — Learners confuse 'respectful' (showing respect) with 'respectable' (worthy of respect or socially acceptable).

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by the preposition 'of' when referring to rules or boundaries.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.