respect

A feeling that someone is valuable or deserves admiration and thoughtful treatment.

• She earned my respect.
• We should show respect for others.
• Their friendship is based on mutual respect.

How to use it: respect for someone/something (I have great respect for her courage.)

Similar words: admiration, esteem, regard

Opposites: disrespect, contempt

Common phrases: respect for someone, show respect, mutual respect, earn respect

A particular feature or part of something that you are considering.

• In this respect, you are right.
• The plans differ in several respects.
• Her work has improved in every respect.

How to use it: in ... respect(s) (The two houses are similar in many respects.)

Similar words: aspect, way, regard

Common phrases: in this respect, in many respects, in every respect

To think highly of someone because of their qualities or achievements.

• I respect my teacher.
• We respected him for his courage.
• Do you respect her judgment?

How to use it: respect someone for something (I respect her for her honesty.)

Similar words: admire, esteem

Opposites: despise, disrespect

Common phrases: respect someone, respect someone deeply, respect someone greatly

To treat someone or something carefully and consider their needs or feelings.

• Please respect her feelings.
• He respects other people’s needs.
• They respected our wish to be alone.

Similar words: consider, show consideration for

Opposites: disregard

Common phrases: respect someone's feelings, respect someone's wishes, respect other people

To follow rules and avoid interfering with someone’s rights, property, or private life.

• Please respect private property.
• Visitors must respect the rules.
• She respected his privacy and left the room.

Similar words: honor, observe

Opposites: violate, disregard

Common phrases: respect the rules, respect someone's privacy, respect private property, respect someone's rights