respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv 

1

: particular, separate

their respective homes

2

obsolete : partial, discriminative

respectiveness noun

Synonyms of respective

• different
• separate

Examples of respective in a Sentence

it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways

Recent Examples on the Web

If Washington, Arizona State, and Georgia Tech all finish with six or seven losses each this season, their respective coaches likely won't be fielding many calls when high-level jobs come open in November. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

The feathers harkened back to Paris Couture Week in July 2026, when several high-profile figures like Jennifer Lopez and Emma Corrin embraced feathery embellishments in their respective front-row looks. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

The sisters are even taking time apart to figure out things for themselves and their respective families. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 6 Oct. 2026

The sets also each come with a presentation box with a slew of accessories in their respective colorways, including a loupe, a travel pouch, and a cardholder. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for respective

• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective
• corrective
• defective
• detective
• directive
• effective
• elective
• infective

Kids Definition

respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv 

: not the same or shared : separate

they hurried to their respective homes