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Respect

v. kind, thoughtful warm

What it means

Meaning 1

To hold someone or something in serious positive regard.

Reach for it when expressing esteem for character, ability, judgment, or achievement

I respect Hana for changing her conclusion when the evidence changed.

Meaning 2

To act in accordance with another's rights, boundaries, wishes, or rules.

Reach for it when describing conduct that honors a limit even without agreement

The photographer will respect each resident's choice not to be identified.

Words to choose between 8

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom, and by meaning across. Tap a word to see when it fits.
Meaning 1Meaning 2
warm
professional
formal

Meaning 1: To hold someone or something in serious positive regard.

  • warm

    admire

    Fits when approval includes warm appreciation or aspiration

    Careful Respect can exist without liking or wanting to imitate the person.

  • warm

    value

    Fits when contribution or importance deserves emphasis

    Careful Valuing someone's help is not identical to respecting their judgment.

  • formal

    esteem

    Fits when high regard needs an elevated tone

    Careful It sounds stiff in an ordinary message to a friend.

  • formal

    honor

    Fits when regard is shown through tribute or faithful action

    Careful It may imply ceremony or duty beyond simple respect.

Meaning 2: To act in accordance with another's rights, boundaries, wishes, or rules.

  • professional

    observe

    Fits when a rule, custom, or boundary is followed

    Careful Observe is procedural and does not express regard for the person behind the rule.

  • professional

    recognize

    Fits when rights, authority, or value must first be acknowledged

    Careful Recognition can remain verbal; respect also governs behavior.

  • formal

    heed

    Fits when advice or warning should shape action

    Careful You can respect a view without following it, so heed is stronger.

  • formal

    uphold

    Fits when actively defending a right or standard is intended

    Careful Merely honoring a boundary does not require the advocacy implied by uphold.

Opposites 3

  • despise
  • disregard
  • violate

Common phrases 3

  • respect a person

    You can respect a person while challenging the policy they proposed.

  • respect boundaries

    Good mentors respect boundaries and ask before discussing private concerns.

  • respect the decision

    The committee will respect the decision even though the vote was close.

Word family 1

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated