Respect meaning, definition, and synonyms

Respect is a word with several related meanings. It can mean admiration for someone, polite consideration for other people, or a particular point or detail. It is also used as a verb meaning to admire, value, or follow something.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-28. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Pronunciation

AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).

Accent: General American English

IPA: /rɪˈspɛkt/

Easy pronunciation: rih-SPEKT (approximate spelling).

Stress: Stress the second syllable: spect.

Noun meaning a feeling of admiration or approval; not the verb.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-28. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Respect Meaning

a feeling that someone or something is worthy of admiration or approval

Part of speech: noun

Definition: an attitude of admiration or esteem

Example: She has a lot of respect for her teacher.

Synonyms for this meaning:

esteem — A close synonym when respect means admiration or high regard.
regard — Works well in this sense, especially in formal or general use.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-28. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Other Meanings of Respect

Meaning 2

the state of being admired or thought well of

Part of speech: noun

Definition: the condition of being honored or well regarded

Example: He enjoyed great respect in the community.

Synonyms for this meaning:

esteem — Can mean high regard or honor.
regard — Fits when respect means being held in high opinion.

Meaning 3

warm regard mixed with admiration

Part of speech: noun

Definition: a feeling of friendship and esteem

Example: I have a lot of respect for her work and her character.

Synonyms for this meaning:

regard — A good match for friendly admiration or esteem.

Meaning 4

to admire or value someone or something highly

Part of speech: verb

Definition: regard highly; think much of

Example: I respect his judgment.

Synonyms for this meaning:

esteem — A formal verb meaning to hold in high opinion.
prize — Used when you value someone or something highly.
value — Works when the meaning is to appreciate importance or worth.

Meaning 5

to act politely and properly toward something or someone

Part of speech: verb

Definition: show respect towards

Example: We should respect the rules.

Synonyms for this meaning:

honor — Works when respect means following or treating properly.
honour — British spelling of honor; same sense.
observe — Fits when respect means obeying rules, customs, or limits.
abide by — A good substitute when the object is a rule, agreement, or law.

Meaning 6

polite consideration for other people’s needs or feelings

Part of speech: noun

Definition: courteous regard for people's feelings

Example: Please leave quietly out of respect for the other guests.

Synonyms for this meaning:

deference — Works when respect means polite consideration or yielding to others.
respectfulness — Related, but more about the quality of being respectful.

Meaning 7

a polite greeting or message showing respect

Part of speech: noun

Definition: a courteous expression of esteem or regard

Example: Please give my respects to your family.

Synonyms for this meaning:

deference — Can overlap in formal expressions, but is less direct here.

Meaning 8

a specific part or aspect of something

Part of speech: noun

Definition: (usually preceded by in) a detail or point

Example: The two plans are different in that respect.

Synonyms for this meaning:

regard — Used in the phrase 'in that regard'; this is a different sense from admiration.

Meaning 9

actions done to satisfy a parent’s wishes

Part of speech: noun

Definition: behavior intended to please your parents

Example: He went to law school out of respect for his father’s wishes.

Synonyms for this meaning:

obedience — Close in this family-pressure sense, but not identical in all contexts.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-28. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Respect Synonyms

Similar Meaning

esteem
regard

being highly regarded

esteem
regard

showing polite consideration

deference
respectfulness

to admire or value highly

esteem
prize
value

to obey or follow properly

abide by
honor
honour
observe

actions done for a parent’s wishes

obedience

a specific point or aspect

regard

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-28. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Common Mistakes

Do not use respect in the sense of 'a specific point' when you mean admiration.
Do not mix up the noun meaning 'admiration' with the verb meaning 'to admire or value.'
Honour/honor as a verb usually means 'show respect for' or 'follow,' not 'admire' in every context.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-28. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does respect mean in simple words?

Respect usually means admiration, polite consideration, or the act of valuing and treating someone properly.

What is the difference between respect and esteem?

Esteem is a close synonym when respect means high regard or admiration, but respect is broader and can also mean politeness or following rules.

Is respect a noun or a verb?

It can be both. As a noun, it means admiration or polite consideration. As a verb, it means to admire, value, or treat properly.

What are common synonyms for respect?

Common synonyms include esteem and regard, depending on the sense.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-28. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.