Origin: 1300–50; (n.) ME (< OF) < L
respectus action of looking back, consideration, regard, equiv. to
respec-, var. s. of
respicere to look back (
re- re- +
specere to look) +
-tus suffix of v. action; (v.) < L
respectus ptp. of
respicere
Synonyms:
1. regard, feature, matter. 2. regard, connection. 3. estimation, reverence, homage, honor. Respect, esteem, veneration imply recognition of personal qualities by approbation, deference, and more or less affection. Respect is commonly the result of admiration and approbation, together with deference: to feel respect for a great scholar. Esteem is deference combined with admiration and often with affection: to hold a friend in great esteem. Veneration is an almost religious attitude of deep respect, reverence, and love, such as we feel for persons or things of outstanding superiority, endeared by long association: veneration for one's grandparents, for noble traditions. 7. bias, preference. 9. revere, venerate, consider, admire. 10. heed.