respectful

[ ri-spekt-fuhl ]
See synonyms for respectful on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. full of, characterized by, or showing politeness or deference: a respectful reply.

Origin of respectful

1
First recorded in 1590–1600; respect + -ful

Other words for respectful

Opposites for respectful

Other words from respectful

  • re·spect·ful·ly, adverb
  • re·spect·ful·ness, noun
  • qua·si-re·spect·ful, adjective
  • qua·si-re·spect·ful·ly, adverb
  • un·re·spect·ful, adjective
  • un·re·spect·ful·ly, adverb
  • un·re·spect·ful·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use respectful in a sentence

  • And I would respectfully suggest that this interview must definitely terminate the matter one way or the other.

  • "In a moment, sir," answered the landlord respectfully, and he turned again to the Parisian.

    St. Martin's Summer | Rafael Sabatini
  • But M. Boscheron, my secretary, respectfully remarks that I keep on dictating the same sentence.

    Marguerite | Anatole France
  • He added the last phrase so respectfully that she was mollified, and rejoined with a sigh: "I'm afraid I can't help you much."

    Summer | Edith Wharton
  • Hearing the words, the young man respectfully bowed to Andrea and her father.

    Balsamo, The Magician | Alexander Dumas

British Dictionary definitions for respectful

respectful

/ (rɪˈspɛktfʊl) /


adjective
  1. full of, showing, or giving respect

Derived forms of respectful

  • respectfully, adverb
  • respectfulness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012