adjective

respective

rih-SPEK-tiv/rɪˈspektɪv/

Belonging separately to each person or thing mentioned.

The three people hold their respective umbrellas and matching bags.

Three people each hold their own differently colored matching umbrella and bag, separate ownership.

Etymology

reLatinback

+spectLatinto look at

+iveLatinrelating to

The underlying “look back at” developed into “regard” or “refer to.” Respective first meant having reference to something, then narrowed to referring separately to each person or thing mentioned.

In context

Invicta2:17

Romulus and Remus were choosing a site for the new city, they each argued for their respective hills based on the birds they observed.

Law & Order in Ancient Rome - The Case of the Sacred Chicken Killer

More examples

Maya and Ben keep separate keys to their respective apartments.
The two committees explain their respective roles in the project.
Both teams have their respective strengths and weaknesses.

Forms

respectively adverb — Separately, in the same order previously mentioned.

Similar words

individual: Emphasizes each person or thing separately, without matching ownership.
corresponding: Emphasizes matching roles or positions rather than separate belonging.