The word "respectful" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of /rɪˈspɛktfəl/. The first syllable, "ri", is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The second syllable, "spect", is pronounced with a long "e" sound followed by a consonant cluster of "sp." The third syllable, "ful," is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by a consonant cluster of "fl." The overall pronunciation of "respectful" is re-SPEKT-full, with emphasis on the second syllable. This word describes someone who is showing admiration, esteem, or honor towards someone or something.
Respectful is an adjective that characterizes someone who displays admiration, consideration, and regard for others. It refers to their behavior and attitude, which reflects politeness, deference, and honoring of individuals or their opinions, rights, and boundaries. A respectful person shows proper esteem and recognition for the worth, dignity, and importance of others, regardless of their social standing, age, or position.
In personal interactions, being respectful entails treating others with courtesy, kindness, and empathy. It involves active listening, valuing their viewpoints, and refraining from interrupting or demeaning them. A respectful person acknowledges the autonomy and agency of others, seeking their consent and giving them space to express themselves freely. They are mindful of cultural norms and sensitive to individual needs, avoiding actions or language that may cause offense or discomfort.
Furthermore, being respectful extends beyond individual interactions; it encompasses respect for community, environment, and societal values. It includes adherence to rules, laws, and customs that promote harmony and equality. A respectful individual recognizes the diversity of perspectives and strives for inclusivity, fostering an environment that values and celebrates differences.
Ultimately, to be respectful is to exemplify kindness, consideration, and fairness in our words and actions, while recognizing the inherent worth and rights of others. It cultivates healthy relationships, promotes harmony, and contributes to a more compassionate and egalitarian society.
Marked by outward civility; deferential; courteous; civil.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word respectful comes from the combination of the prefix re- (which means again or back) and the word spect (which derives from the Latin verb specere, meaning to look). The suffix -ful is added to respect, indicating a quality or state. Therefore, respectful literally means full of respect or characterized by showing respect.