Respective

Pronunciation: /rɪˈspɛktɪv/

Definitions of respective

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun, indicating that each noun belongs to or is associated with a particular person or thing

Example Sentences

A1 Each student must bring their respective textbook to class.

A2 The team members discussed their respective roles in the project.

B1 The department heads met to discuss their respective budgets for the upcoming year.

B2 The artists showcased their respective styles in the gallery exhibition.

C1 The CEOs of the rival companies gave speeches about their respective company's success.

C2 The authors signed copies of their respective books at the book fair.

Examples of respective in a Sentence

formal Each department will present their respective findings at the meeting.

informal We should stick to our respective tasks to get this project done on time.

slang Let's grab a drink at our respective favorite bars tonight.

figurative Their respective paths led them to different destinations in life.

Grammatical Forms of respective

• past tense: respected
• plural: respectives
• comparative: more respective
• superlative: most respective
• present tense: respect
• future tense: will respect
• perfect tense: have respected
• continuous tense: is respecting
• singular: respective
• positive degree: respective
• infinitive: to respect
• gerund: respecting
• participle: respected

Origin and Evolution of respective

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'respective' originated from the Latin word 'respectivus', which is derived from the verb 'respectare' meaning 'to look back at'.

Evolution of the word: Initially, 'respective' was used to refer to something that pertains or relates to each individual or group separately. Over time, its usage has expanded to also mean considering each thing or person separately in relation to the whole.