noun / verb
respect
rih-SPEKT/rɪˈspekt/
Consideration that acknowledges someone's worth or legitimate claims.
The young woman shows respect by listening attentively to the older speaker.
Etymology
“Looking back at” people developed into regarding or considering them. That sense of regard then extended to esteem for someone's qualities and to the considerate treatment such esteem calls for.
In context
with no respect for values or consideration for others beyond their use in the advancement of family business
More examples
- Please respect her decision to keep the conversation private.
- All people deserve respect, even when we disagree with them.
- He respects his coworkers' time by arriving prepared.
Forms
respect · respects · respected · respecting
respectful adjective — Showing consideration for others and their wishes.
disrespect noun — Lack of consideration for others' worth or rights.
Similar words
- consideration
- Emphasizes attention to others' needs and feelings rather than worth.
- courtesy
- Emphasizes polite behavior rather than recognition of someone's legitimate claims.
- deference
- Suggests yielding to someone's judgment or authority, beyond basic respect.