adjective

• Feeling or showing deference and respect.

  ‘they sit in respectful silence’

  More example sentences

  • ‘Hundreds of people drew near her grave and police had to be called in to hold them back and keep a respectful distance.’
  • ‘Unlike us, she will be mindful of the dangers; respectful of the distance and her rivals.’
  • ‘There was a respectful silence of a few seconds while the others internalised this concept.’
  • ‘All we are asking is that we be treated in a respectful manner and spoken to in a respectable tone of voice.’
  • ‘It was civil, mutually respectful, completely lacking in any personal animosity.’
  • ‘If someone wants to be polite and respectful to me, the best thing I can do is be the same back to them.’
  • ‘The children themselves kept a respectful distance, which is perfectly understandable.’
  • ‘Maybe they feel like there should be a respectful silence during a round of golf.’
  • ‘They waited as the boat drew alongside, still keeping a respectful distance.’
  • ‘She's respectful, polite and particularly helpful when it comes to clearing away the dishes.’
  • ‘It is important that self-inflicted injuries are responded to in a calm and respectful manner.’
  • ‘In the early days, the novels received some respectful reviews and won a small band of devoted admirers.’
  • ‘They were very courteous and helpful and I tried to be respectful by covering my hair with a black scarf.’
  • ‘From beginning to end they remained meek and respectful in the presence of their mother and aunt.’
  • ‘He's a fantastic young man, is very respectful and comes highly recommended.’
  • ‘So, be tolerant and respectful, but also keep a sense of humour and remember how to laugh.’
  • ‘We should, therefore, be respectful of them rather than rushing to judgement.’
  • ‘I'm very proud of the film and I think I've been truthful and respectful of his work.’
  • ‘For this reason the town will fall silent and its residents will pay their own respectful tribute today.’
  • ‘He didn't achieve much at school in academic terms but he was respectful of his elders and listened to them.’

  Synonyms

  deferential, reverent, admiring, humble, reverential, dutiful, subservient

  View synonyms