What does "respects" mean?

1. (specific details) particular details, features, or ways of looking at something. 2. (polite greetings or condolences) polite greetings or a formal way to show honor to someone, especially after they have died.

How do you use "respects"?

Commonly used in the phrase 'in many respects' or 'in some respects'. Almost always used with the verb 'pay'.

respects

US //ɹəˈspɛks// UK //ɹɪspˈɛkts// re·spects

1 specific details (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

particular details, features, or ways of looking at something.

specific aspects, details, or particulars of a situation or object.

Example

The two plans are very similar in many respects.

Example

While the two proposals differ in several key respects, they both aim to reduce the company's carbon footprint by the end of the decade.

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'in many respects' or 'in some respects'.
2 polite greetings or condolences (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

polite greetings or a formal way to show honor to someone, especially after they have died.

formal expressions of esteem or polite regard; specifically used for paying tribute to a deceased person.

Example

Many people went to the funeral to pay their last respects.

Example

Dignitaries from across the country gathered at the cathedral to pay their respects to the late prime minister.

Usage

Almost always used with the verb 'pay'.

Last updated June 20, 2026