Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense respects, present participle respecting, past tense, past participle respected
1. verb
If you respect someone, you have a good opinion of their character or ideas.
I want him to respect me as a career woman. [VERB noun]
He needs the advice of people he respects, and he respects you. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: think highly of, value, regard, honour More Synonyms of respect
2. uncountable noun
If you have respectfor someone, you have a good opinion of them.
I have tremendous respect for Dean. [+ for]
His voice was warm with friendship and respect.
Synonyms: regard, honour, recognition, esteem More Synonyms of respect
3. See also self-respect
4. verb
If you respect someone's wishes, rights, or customs, you avoid doing things that they would dislike or regard as wrong.
Finally, trying to respect her wishes, I said I'd leave. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: show consideration for, regard, notice, honour More Synonyms of respect
5. uncountable noun
If you show respectfor someone's wishes, rights, or customs, you avoid doing anything they would dislikeor regard as wrong.
They will campaign for the return of traditional lands and respect for aboriginalrights and customs. [+ for]
6. verb
If you respect a law or moral principle, you agree not to break it.
It is about time tour operators respected the law and their own code of conduct. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: abide by, follow, observe, comply with More Synonyms of respect
Respect is also a noun.
...respect for the law and the rejection of the use of violence. [+ for]
7. phrase
You can say with respect when you are politely disagreeing with someone or criticizing them.
[politeness]
With respect, Minister, you still haven't answered my question.
With respect, I hardly think that's the point.
8.
See pay one's respects
9.
See pay one's last respects
10.
See in this respect/in many respects
11.
See with respect to/in respect of
12. See also respected
More Synonyms of respect
respect in British English
(rɪˈspɛkt)
noun
1.
an attitude of deference, admiration, or esteem; regard
2.
the state of being honoured or esteemed
3.
a detail, point, or characteristic; particular
he differs in some respects from his son
4.
reference or relation (esp in the phrases in respect of, with respect to)
5.
polite or kind regard; consideration
respect for people's feelings
6. (often plural)
an expression of esteem or regard (esp in the phrase pay one's respects)
verb(transitive)
7.
to have an attitude of esteem towards; show or have respect for
to respect one's elders
8.
to pay proper attention to; not violate
to respect Swiss neutrality
9.
to show consideration for; treat courteously or kindly
10. archaic
to concern or refer to
Word origin
C14: from Latin rēspicere to look back, pay attention to, from re- + specere to look
respect in American English
(rɪˈspɛkt)
verb transitive
1.
a.
to feel or show honor or esteem for; hold in high regard
b.
to consider or treat with deference or dutiful regard
2.
to show consideration for; avoid intruding upon or interfering with
to respect others' privacy
3.
to concern; relate to
noun
4.
a feeling of high regard, honor, or esteem
to have respect for a great artist
5.
a state of being held in honor or esteem
to have the respect of one's sons
6.
deference or dutiful regard
respect for the law
7.
consideration; courteous regard
to have respect for the feelings of others
8. [pl.]
courteous expressions of regard
, now chiefly in pay one's respects, to show polite regard by visiting or presenting oneself
9.
a particular point or detail
right in every respect
10.
reference; relation
with respect to the problem
SIMILAR WORDS: reˈgard
Idioms:
in respect of
Word origin
< L respectus, pp. of respicere, to look at, look back on, respect < re-, back + specere, to look at: see spy
COBUILD Collocations
respect
command respect
deserve respect
earn respect
grudging respect
the utmost respect
Examples of 'respect' in a sentence
respect
Respect had been earned both for the courage that he showed and the way he had played.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There have been numerous complaints that visitors do not show respect at the memorial.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We have moved on and this will simply reopen wounds that in many respects healed.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The moon in your values chart adds a mutual respect that makes a love match work.
The Sun (2017)
They could also gain respect through public service.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We treat it with great respect.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Talk about respecting a club legend.
The Sun (2016)
The long-serving president is beginning to lose the support of those who used to respect him.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
I respect all opinions, what the football people say.
The Sun (2017)
For one of the world's most highly respected coaches, it should be a doddle to sort it all out.
The Sun (2016)
We seek instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
There is one reform above all others that could claim our attention and respect.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
You are now advanced enough to dare subtly conveying that message and receiving some respect in return.
Stanley Bing THROWING THE ELEPHANT (2002)
The two areas conformed in many respects to the descriptions of such areas contained in the literature.
Forrest, Ray & Murie, Alan & Williams, Peter Home-ownership - differentiation and fragmentation (1990)
By all but his bigoted opponents he was held in regard and respect.
Christopher Hibbert DISRAELI: A Personal History (2004)
We seldom hear loyalty used in this respect.
Christianity Today (2000)
We earned respect but not the right for two points.
The Sun (2014)
He also won great respect for his selfless service of victims of two plague epidemics.
Martin Manser COLLINS DICTIONARY OF SAINTS (2004)
We leave the hotel and get great respect from the fans.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
This rare feat says much about the respect in which he was held by his peers.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The convincing way you voice your opinions wins respect.
The Sun (2007)
The whole thing was brought in to show respect between rival teams and their players.
The Sun (2012)
Does he treat you with respect and consideration?
The Sun (2011)
World governments do not respect the law and they deal in the mentality of vengeance.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The trust and respect of friendship is gradually turning into love that will treat you well.
The Sun (2011)
It is also the only thing about me which provokes any respect or admiration.
Eric Newby A BOOK OF LANDS AND PEOPLES (2003)
He still has the respect for people.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
We learnt a mutual respect that grew over the years.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The military taught me respect and attention to detail.
The Sun (2016)
The return of mutual respect to a relationship is the first step to special promises.
The Sun (2008)
There's all this talk of a respect campaign but the officials have to earn it.
The Sun (2008)
He's a highly respected person and when he retires world football will miss him a lot.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
They want to be esteemed, respected, admired.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He has the ear of the Prime Minister and the respect of the nation.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In other languages
respect
British English: respect /rɪˈspɛkt/ NOUN
If you have respect for someone, you have a good opinion of them.
I have tremendous respect for him.
American English: respect
Arabic: اِحْتِرام
Brazilian Portuguese: respeito
Chinese: 尊敬
Croatian: poštovanje
Czech: úcta
Danish: respekt
Dutch: respect
European Spanish: respeto
Finnish: huomioonottaminen
French: respect
German: Respekt
Greek: σεβασμός
Italian: rispetto
Japanese: 尊重
Korean: 존경
Norwegian: respekt
Polish: szacunek
European Portuguese: respeito
Romanian: stimă
Russian: уважение
Latin American Spanish: respeto
Swedish: respekt
Thai: ความเคารพ
Turkish: saygı
Ukrainian: повага
Vietnamese: sự kính trọng
British English: respect /rɪˈspɛkt/ VERB
If you respect someone, you have a good opinion of their character or ideas.
I want people to respect me for my work.
American English: respect
Arabic: يَحْتَرِمُ
Brazilian Portuguese: respeitar
Chinese: 尊敬
Croatian: poštovati
Czech: respektovat
Danish: respektere
Dutch: respecteren
European Spanish: respetar
Finnish: kunnioittaa
French: respecter
German: respektieren
Greek: σέβομαι
Italian: rispettare
Japanese: 尊重する
Korean: 존경하다
Norwegian: respektere
Polish: uszanować
European Portuguese: respeitar
Romanian: a respecta
Russian: уважать
Latin American Spanish: respetar
Swedish: respektera
Thai: เคารพ
Turkish: saygı duymak
Ukrainian: поважати
Vietnamese: tôn trọng
All related terms of 'respect'
earn respect
If you have respect for someone, you have a good opinion of them.
self-respect
Self-respect is a feeling of confidence and pride in your own ability and worth .
command respect
If you have respect for someone, you have a good opinion of them.
deserve respect
If you have respect for someone, you have a good opinion of them.
grudging respect
If you have respect for someone, you have a good opinion of them.
in respect of
with reference to; as regards
respect a culture
The culture of a particular organization or group consists of the habits of the people in it and the way they generally behave .
the utmost respect
If you have respect for someone, you have a good opinion of them.
with due respect
You can say ' with due respect ' when you are about to disagree politely with someone.
with respect to
You use with respect to to say what something relates to.
with respect to/in respect of
You use with respect to to say what something relates to. In British English , you can also say in respect of .
in this respect/in many respects
You use expressions like in this respect and in many respects to indicate that what you are saying applies to the feature you have just mentioned or to many features of something.
Chinese translation of 'respect'
respect
(rɪsˈpɛkt)
n(u)
(= consideration, esteem) 尊敬 (zūnjìng)
vt
[person]尊敬 (zūnjìng)
[sb's wishes, beliefs]考虑(慮)到 (kǎolǜdào)
[custom, tradition]尊重 (zūnzhòng)
to have respect for sb/sth对(對)某人/某事怀(懷)有敬意 (duì mǒurén/mǒushì huáiyǒu jìngyì)
to show sb/sth respect对(對)某人/某事表示尊敬 (duì mǒurén/mǒushì biǎoshì zūnjìng)
with respect to or in respect of (frm) 关(關)于(於) (guānyú)
in this respect就此而言 (jiù cǐ ér yán)
in some/many respects在某些/许(許)多方面 (zài mǒuxiē/xǔduō fāngmiàn)
with (all due) respect尊重您的意见(見)，但是 (zūnzhòng nín de yìjiàn, dànshì)
to pay one's respects (frm) 表示某人的敬意 (biǎoshì mǒurén de jìngyì)
Derived Forms
respectsn pl (= regards) 问(問)候 (wènhòu)
All related terms of 'respect'
self-respect
自尊心 zìzūnxīn
in this respect
就此而言 jiù cǐ ér yán
to show sb/sth respect
对(對)某人/某事表示尊敬 duì mǒurén/mǒushì biǎoshì zūnjìng
to have respect for sb/sth
对(對)某人/某事怀(懷)有敬意 duì mǒurén/mǒushì huáiyǒu jìngyì
with respect to or in respect of
( frm ) 关(關)于(於) guānyú
with (all due) respect
尊重您的意见(見)，但是 zūnzhòng nín de yìjiàn, dànshì
1 (verb)
Definition
to have an attitude of esteem towards
I want him to respect me as a career woman.
Synonyms
think highly of
value
Do you value your best friend enough?
regard
I regard creativity as both a gift and a skill.
honour
The Romans honoured their ancestors with statues and processions.
recognize
He had the insight to recognize their talents.
appreciate
Anyone can appreciate our music.
admire
He admired the way she had coped with life.
esteem
a scholar whom he highly esteemed
adore
She adored her parents and would do anything to please them.
revere
Those who support him revere him.
reverence
Some men even seem to reverence them.
look up to
defer to
venerate
My father venerated the African gods with offerings and prayers.
set store by
have a good or high opinion of
2 (verb)
Definition
to pay proper attention or consideration to
Trying to respect her wishes, I said I'd leave.
Synonyms
show consideration for
regard
notice
People should not hesitate to contact the police if they notice anything suspicious.
honour
He had failed to honour his word.
observe
In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet.
heed
attend to
pay attention to
3 (verb)
Definition
to pay proper attention or consideration to
It's about time they respected the law.
Synonyms
abide by
follow
Take care to follow the instructions.
observe
Forcing motorists to observe speed restrictions is difficult.
comply with
obey
Most people obey the law.
heed
Few people at the conference heeded her warning.
keep to
adhere to
All members adhere to a strict code of practice.
Opposites
abuse,
ignore
,
neglect
,
disregard
,
scorn
,
disrespect
1 (noun)
Definition
an attitude of deference or esteem
I have tremendous respect for him.
Synonyms
regard
I have a very high regard for him and what he has achieved.
honour
One old campaigner at least will be received with honour.
recognition
At last, her father's work has received popular recognition.
esteem
He is held in high esteem by his colleagues.
appreciation
They cheered in appreciation.
admiration
Her eyes widened with admiration.
reverence
in mutual support and reverence for the dead
estimation
He has gone down considerably in my estimation.
veneration
Churchill was held in veneration in his lifetime.
approbation
props (US, slang)
Opposites
contempt
,
disregard
,
scorn
,
disdain
,
disrespect
,
irreverence
2 (noun)
Definition
consideration
They should be treated with respect.
Synonyms
consideration
Show consideration for other rail travellers.
kindness
We have been treated with such kindness by everybody.
deference
Out of deference to his feelings, I refrained from commenting.
friendliness
She loves the friendliness of the people.
tact
Her tact and intuition never failed.
thoughtfulness
solicitude
He is full of tender solicitude towards my sister.
kindliness
His kindliness and warmth made him particularly effective with staff welfare.
considerateness
3 (noun)
Definition
a detail or characteristic
He's simply wonderful in every respect.
Synonyms
particular
The nurses at the admission desk asked for her particulars.
way
In some ways, we are better off than we were before.
point
The most interesting point about the village is its religion.
matter
sense
detail
I recall every detail of the party.
feature
The gardens are a special feature of this property.
aspect
Climate affects every aspect of our lives.
characteristic
facet
(plural noun)
Definition
polite greetings
He visited the hospital to pay his respects to her.
Synonyms
greetings
regards
compliments
good wishes
salutations
devoirs
phrase
See in respect of or with respect to
Additional synonyms
in the sense of adhere to
All members adhere to a strict code of practice.
Synonyms
follow,
keep,
maintain,
respect,
observe,
be true,
fulfil,
obey,
heed,
keep to,
abide by,
be loyal,
mind,
be constant,
be faithful
in the sense of admiration
Her eyes widened with admiration.
Synonyms
regard,
surprise,
wonder,
respect,
delight,
pleasure,
praise,
approval,
recognition,
affection,
esteem,
appreciation,
amazement,
astonishment,
reverence,
deference,
adoration,
veneration,
wonderment,
approbation
in the sense of admire
Definition
to respect and approve of (a person or thing)
He admired the way she had coped with life.
Synonyms
respect,
value,
prize,
honour,
praise,
appreciate,
esteem,
approve of,
revere,
venerate,
big up (slang),
take your hat off to,
have a good or high opinion of,
think highly of
Synonyms of 'respect'
respect
Explore 'respect' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of adore
Definition
to love intensely or deeply
She adored her parents and would do anything to please them.
Synonyms
love,
honour,
admire,
worship,
esteem,
cherish,
bow to,
revere,
dote on,
idolize
in the sense of appreciate
Definition
to value highly
Anyone can appreciate our music.
Synonyms
enjoy,
like,
value,
regard,
respect,
prize,
admire,
treasure,
esteem,
relish,
cherish,
savour,
rate highly
in the sense of appreciation
Definition
sensitive recognition of good qualities, as in art
They cheered in appreciation.
Synonyms
admiration,
liking,
respect,
assessment,
esteem,
relish,
valuation,
enjoyment,
appraisal,
estimation,
responsiveness
in the sense of aspect
Definition
a distinct feature or element in a problem or situation
Climate affects every aspect of our lives.
Synonyms
feature,
point,
side,
factor,
angle,
characteristic,
facet
in the sense of deference
Definition
polite and respectful behaviour
Out of deference to his feelings, I refrained from commenting.
Synonyms
respect,
regard,
consideration,
attention,
honour,
esteem,
courtesy,
homage,
reverence,
politeness,
civility,
veneration,
thoughtfulness
in the sense of detail
Definition
an item that is considered separately
I recall every detail of the party.
Synonyms
point,
fact,
feature,
particular,
respect,
factor,
count,
item,
instance,
element,
aspect,
specific,
component,
facet,
technicality
in the sense of esteem
Definition
to have great respect or high regard for (someone)
a scholar whom he highly esteemed
Synonyms
respect,
admire,
think highly of,
like,
love,
value,
prize,
honour,
treasure,
cherish,
revere,
reverence,
be fond of,
venerate,
regard highly,
take off your hat to
in the sense of esteem
Definition
admiration and respect
He is held in high esteem by his colleagues.
Synonyms
respect,
regard,
honour,
consideration,
admiration,
reverence,
estimation,
veneration
in the sense of estimation
Definition
a considered opinion
He has gone down considerably in my estimation.
Synonyms
opinion,
view,
regard,
belief,
honour,
credit,
consideration,
judgment,
esteem,
evaluation,
admiration,
reverence,
veneration,
good opinion,
considered opinion
in the sense of feature
Definition
a prominent or distinctive part of something
The gardens are a special feature of this property.
Synonyms
aspect,
quality,
characteristic,
attribute,
point,
mark,
property,
factor,
trait,
hallmark,
facet,
peculiarity
Additional synonyms
in the sense of follow
Definition
to act in accordance with
Take care to follow the instructions.
Synonyms
obey,
observe,
comply with,
adhere to,
mind,
watch,
note,
regard,
stick to,
heed,
conform to,
keep to,
pay attention to,
be guided by,
toe the line,
act according to,
act in accordance with,
give allegiance to
in the sense of friendliness
She loves the friendliness of the people.
Synonyms
amiability,
warmth,
sociability,
conviviality,
neighbourliness,
affability,
geniality,
kindliness,
congeniality,
companionability,
mateyness or matiness (British, informal),
open arms
in the sense of heed
Definition
to pay close attention to (a warning or piece of advice)
Few people at the conference heeded her warning.
Synonyms
pay attention to,
listen to,
take notice of,
follow,
mark,
mind,
consider,
note,
regard,
attend,
observe,
obey,
bear in mind,
be guided by,
take to heart,
give ear to
in the sense of honour
Definition
to hold someone in respect
The Romans honoured their ancestors with statues and processions.
Synonyms
respect,
value,
esteem,
prize,
appreciate,
admire,
worship,
adore,
revere,
glorify,
reverence,
exalt,
venerate,
hallow
in the sense of honour
Definition
to keep (one's promise)
He had failed to honour his word.
Synonyms
fulfil,
keep,
carry out,
observe,
discharge,
live up to,
be true to,
be as good as (informal),
be faithful to
in the sense of honour
Definition
great respect or esteem, or an outward sign of this
One old campaigner at least will be received with honour.
Synonyms
acclaim,
regard,
respect,
praise,
recognition,
compliments,
homage,
accolades,
reverence,
deference,
adoration,
commendation,
veneration
in the sense of kindliness
His kindliness and warmth made him particularly effective with staff welfare.
Synonyms
kindness,
charity,
sympathy,
humanity,
compassion,
friendliness,
gentleness,
benevolence,
amiability,
beneficence,
benignity,
kind-heartedness
in the sense of kindness
Definition
the quality of being kind
We have been treated with such kindness by everybody.
Synonyms
goodwill,
understanding,
charity,
grace,
humanity,
affection,
patience,
tolerance,
goodness,
compassion,
hospitality,
generosity,
indulgence,
decency,
tenderness,
clemency,
gentleness,
philanthropy,
benevolence,
magnanimity,
fellow-feeling,
amiability,
beneficence,
kindliness,
generosity
in the sense of notice
Definition
to point out or remark upon
People should not hesitate to contact the police if they notice anything suspicious.
Synonyms
observe,
see,
mind,
note,
spot,
remark,
distinguish,
perceive,
detect,
heed,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
mark,
eyeball (slang)
in the sense of obey
Definition
to act in accordance with one's feelings, an impulse, etc.
Most people obey the law.
Synonyms
abide by,
keep,
follow,
comply with,
observe,
mind,
embrace,
hold to,
heed,
conform to,
keep to,
adhere to,
be ruled by
Additional synonyms
in the sense of observe
Definition
to see or notice
In 1664 Hooke observed a reddish spot on the surface of the planet.
Synonyms
notice,
see,
note,
mark,
discover,
spot,
regard,
witness,
clock (British, slang),
distinguish,
perceive,
detect,
discern,
behold (archaic, literary),
eye,
eyeball (slang),
peer at,
espy,
get a load of (informal)
in the sense of observe
Definition
to keep (a law or custom)
Forcing motorists to observe speed restrictions is difficult.
Synonyms
comply with,
keep,
follow,
mind,
respect,
perform,
carry out,
honour,
fulfil,
discharge,
obey,
heed,
conform to,
adhere to,
abide by
in the sense of point
Definition
a characteristic
The most interesting point about the village is its religion.
Synonyms
aspect,
detail,
feature,
side,
quality,
property,
particular,
respect,
item,
instance,
characteristic,
topic,
attribute,
trait,
facet,
peculiarity,
nicety
in the sense of recognition
At last, her father's work has received popular recognition.
Synonyms
approval,
honour,
tributes,
acclaim,
appreciation,
applause,
salute,
gratitude,
acknowledgment
in the sense of recognize
Definition
to show approval or appreciation of (something)
He had the insight to recognize their talents.
Synonyms
appreciate,
respect,
notice,
reward,
applaud,
salute,
give recognition to
in the sense of revere
Definition
to be in awe of and respect deeply
Those who support him revere him.
Synonyms
be in awe of,
respect,
honour,
worship,
adore,
reverence,
exalt,
look up to,
defer to,
venerate,
have a high opinion of,
put on a pedestal,
think highly of
in the sense of reverence
Some men even seem to reverence them.
Synonyms
revere,
respect,
honour,
admire,
worship,
adore,
pay homage to,
venerate,
be in awe of,
hold in awe
in the sense of reverence
Definition
profound respect
in mutual support and reverence for the dead
Synonyms
respect,
honour,
worship,
admiration,
awe,
devotion,
homage,
deference,
adoration,
veneration,
high esteem
in the sense of solicitude
Definition
anxiety or concern for someone's welfare
He is full of tender solicitude towards my sister.
Synonyms
concern,
care,
consideration,
attentiveness,
worry,
regard,
anxiety,
considerateness
in the sense of tact
Definition
skill in handling difficult situations
Her tact and intuition never failed.
Synonyms
diplomacy,
understanding,
consideration,
sensitivity,
delicacy,
skill,
judgment,
perception,
discretion,
finesse,
thoughtfulness,
savoir-faire,
adroitness
Additional synonyms
in the sense of value
Definition
to hold (someone or something) in high regard
Do you value your best friend enough?
Synonyms
appreciate,
rate (slang),
prize,
regard highly,
respect,
admire,
treasure,
esteem,
cherish,
think much of,
hold dear,
have a high opinion of,
set store by,
hold in high regard or esteem
in the sense of venerate
Definition
to hold (someone) in deep respect
My father venerated the African gods with offerings and prayers.
Synonyms
respect,
honour,
esteem,
revere,
worship,
adore,
reverence,
look up to,
hold in awe
in the sense of veneration
Definition
a feeling of awe or great respect
Churchill was held in veneration in his lifetime.
Synonyms
respect,
esteem,
reverence,
worship,
awe,
deference,
adoration
in the sense of way
Definition
an aspect or detail of something
In some ways, we are better off than we were before.