Word
respectively
Phoneticsre·spec·tive·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹɪˈspɛktɪvɫi/
UK/ɹɪspˈɛktɪvli/
Sentence adverb
Definition
adv. in the same order as the people or things you just mentioned. You use this when you have two lists and want to show which item in the first list matches which item in the second list.
adv. separately and in the order already mentioned. Used to clarify the one-to-one correspondence between two parallel lists or sequences.
Examples
“The two winners were aged 10 and 12, respectively.”
“The sales and marketing departments are located on the third and fourth floors, respectively.”
“In the final set of experiments, the control and test groups showed an increase in efficiency of 5% and 12%, respectively, confirming the hypothesis that the new catalyst was superior.”
Examples
simple
“The two winners were aged 10 and 12, respectively.”
contextual
“The sales and marketing departments are located on the third and fourth floors, respectively.”
complex
“In the final set of experiments, the control and test groups showed an increase in efficiency of 5% and 12%, respectively, confirming the hypothesis that the new catalyst was superior.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “respectively” in context.
Verb
01. respectively correspond
“The blue and red lines on the graph respectively correspond to the experimental and control groups.”
adv + verb
02. respectively denote
“In this equation, the symbols alpha and beta respectively denote the start and end points.”
adv + verb
03. respectively refer
“The terms 'former' and 'latter' respectively refer to the first and second items mentioned.”
adv + verb
04. respectively represent
“The X and Y axes respectively represent time and distance in this simulation.”
adv + verb
05. respectively overt
06. respectively positive
07. respectively represent negative
08. respectively spontaneous
09. respectively typical
Usage
Typically placed at the end of a clause or sentence to clarify the relationship between two previously mentioned sets of information.
Pitfall
The respectively prices are $5 and $10.
The prices are $5 and $10, respectively.
Respectively is an adverb and cannot be used as an adjective before a noun; it must follow the items it refers to.
Confusables
Respectively links items in two lists by their order, while respectfully describes acting with politeness or honor.
RememberRespectively = Ranks in order. Respectfully = Regard for others.
Real-World Examples
“In the French Open and this year's Wimbledon, she only reached the fourth and third rounds respectively.” “The Arab States and North Africa continue to record the world’s highest youth unemployment rates at 26.2 and 22.6 per cent, respectively.” Etymology
From respective + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
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