ENGLISH
REFERENCE

respectfully

adv. manner
B1 Intermediate US //ɹɪˈspɛktfəɫi// UK //ɹɪspˈɛktfəli// re·spect·ful·ly

adv. to do something in a way that shows you admire someone or care about their feelings. You use this to be polite, especially when you disagree with someone.

adv. in a manner that conveys esteem, deference, or consideration for the feelings and rights of others. Frequently used as a sentence modifier to soften a disagreement or formal correction.


SIMPLE

He listened respectfully while his grandfather told the story.

CONTEXTUAL

The student respectfully asked the professor to explain the difficult concept one more time.

COMPLEX

While the board members disagreed with the proposal, they listened respectfully to the presentation before explaining their reasons for the rejection.

Antonyms
Origin

From respectful + -ly.

Usage

Often placed after the verb it modifies, or at the beginning of a sentence when used to introduce a polite disagreement.

Pitfall

He spoke respective to the judgeHe spoke respectfully to the judgeLearners confuse 'respectfully' (showing respect) with 'respectively' (in the order mentioned).

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