WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
re•spect•ful /rɪˈspɛktfəl/USA pronunciation adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- showing or having respect;
courteous;
considerate:respectful students.
re•spect•ful
(ri spekt′fəl),USA pronunciation adj.
re•spect′ful•ly, adv.
re•spect′ful•ness, n.
- full of, characterized by, or showing politeness or deference:a respectful reply.
- respect + -ful 1590–1600
re•spect′ful•ness, n.
- courteous, polite, decorous, civil, deferential.
- discourteous, disrespectful.
'respectfully' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):