respectful
/rɪˈspektfl/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈspektfl/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈspekt-fəl/ (ame, mw)
respectful — adjective
- respectfulpositive
- more respectfulcomparative
- most respectfulsuperlative
1. feeling or expressing admiration for someone's abilities, character, or achievem
feeling or expressing admiration for someone's abilities, character, or achievements
The crowd was respectful of the artist and thanked her for her story.
respectful of [someone] for admiration
The students listened in respectful silence as the climber described reaching the summit.
Mathieu wrote a respectful letter to the professor, praising his years of research.
Chidi's respectful attitude towards the musicians made a strong impression on the band.
The audience gave a respectful round of applause when the poet finished reading.
- admiring
more direct and personal; focuses on the feeling rather than the behaviour
- appreciative
emphasizes gratitude alongside admiration; often used for favours or contributions
- reverent
much stronger and more formal; implies deep awe, often in religious or solemn contexts
- disrespectful
showing a lack of admiration or regard for someone or something
文法句型
respectful of [someone/something]
respectful [noun]
用法筆記
Commonly takes the pattern 'respectful of + noun' when the object of admiration is specified (e.g. 'respectful of her courage'). When used attributively before a noun, the admiration is expressed through a specific behaviour such as silence, applause, or a letter.
常見錯誤
2. behaving in a polite way that shows you recognize another person's position, fee
behaving in a polite way that shows you recognize another person's position, feelings, or needs
Please remember to be respectful towards your grandparents when they visit.
respectful towards [someone] for polite behaviour
Isabela always speaks in a respectful tone when addressing the school principal.
The children were taught to keep a respectful distance from the village elders.
A respectful bow is part of the greeting custom in several Asian cultures.
Ryan's respectful behaviour towards his hosts made a good impression on the family.
- polite
broader and more common; refers to general good manners rather than deference to status
- deferential
stronger and more formal; implies yielding to someone's authority or superior position
- courteous
formal and old-fashioned; emphasizes polished, considerate behaviour in social settings
- rude
behaving in an impolite or offensive way
- disrespectful
showing a lack of proper respect or consideration
文法句型
respectful towards [someone]
respectful to [someone]
respectful [noun]
用法筆記
Frequently constructed with 'towards' or 'to' to specify the person being shown politeness. The fixed phrase 'keep a respectful distance' means maintaining physical or social space as a sign of deference.
常見錯誤
3. showing that you understand something matters deeply to others and choosing not
showing that you understand something matters deeply to others and choosing not to interfere with or criticize it
Minh was respectful of his grandmother's tradition of lighting incense before every meal.
respectful of [beliefs/customs/traditions]
Saira asked respectful questions about the ceremony instead of making jokes.
The doctor was respectful of the patient's wish to keep her diagnosis private.
Yuna's family was respectful of her choice to study abroad instead of staying in Seoul.
Being respectful of local customs helped the visitors feel welcome in the village.
- considerate
broader; focuses on being mindful of others' feelings in general
- tolerant
emphasizes accepting differences or behaviours you may not personally approve of
- understanding
implies sympathy and awareness of someone's situation rather than restraint
- intrusive
invading someone's privacy or personal matters
- disrespectful
showing disregard for what others value or hold important
文法句型
respectful of [traditions/beliefs/privacy/choices]
用法筆記
This sense always takes the pattern 'respectful of + noun' where the noun is something others value: traditions, beliefs, privacy, decisions, or personal space. Unlike sense 1 (admiration) or sense 2 (politeness towards a person), sense 3 focuses on not overstepping or causing offence.