The meaning of RESPECTFUL is marked by or showing respect or deference. How to use respectful in a sentence.

be respectful of something to accept that something is important and not to try to change it or cause offense:

If you are respectful, you show respect for someone. He was always so polite and respectful. The children in our family are always respectful to their elders. The patient has the right to considerate …

Someone or something that is respectable is approved of by people and considered to be morally correct. He came from a perfectly respectable middle-class family. If your behaviour is respectful, …

Definition of respectful adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 re•spect•ful (ri spekt′ fəl), adj. full of, characterized by, or showing politeness or deference: a respectful reply.

4 days ago · It is of great importance that you act in a respectful manner towards the duke and duchess. They used highly respectful language when conversing with the elders.

If you’re respectful, you show consideration and regard for someone or something. Be respectful of your neighbors and turn down your disco music when it gets late.

RESPECTFUL definition: full of, characterized by, or showing politeness or deference. See examples of respectful used in a sentence.

The word ‘Respectful’ (Adjective) describes someone or something that shows politeness, consideration, and admiration toward others. In this guide, you’ll explore the full definition, synonyms, antonyms, …