respect

The word “respect” means a feeling of admiration for someone or something, based on their qualities or achievements.

“Respect” is pronounced rih-SPEHKT (/ɹɪˈspɛkt/ in IPA).

Here is “respect” used in a sentence: “She earned the respect of her colleagues through hard work.”

The opposite of “respect” — its antonyms — are belittlement, contempt, contumely, despect and disdain.

Depending on how it is used, “respect” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “respect” comes from Latin. From Old French respect, from Latin respectus, "a looking back, regard" — from re- ("back") plus specio ("to see"). A doublet of "respite".

“Respect” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Respect” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling of admiration for someone or something, based on their qualities or achievements.

Respect is recognising someone's worth, rights, or authority and treating them accordingly, even if you do not personally like them. Admiration is a warmer feeling of approval and delight in someone's qualities or achievements. You can respect a rival's skill without admiring them, though the two feelings often go together.

Respect is admiration or regard freely given because of someone's qualities or position. Fear is anxiety about being harmed. A leader who is respected is followed willingly; one who is only feared is obeyed reluctantly. Healthy authority relies on earned respect rather than intimidation, even though people sometimes confuse the two.

Yes. While basic courtesy is owed to everyone, deeper respect is usually earned through consistent honesty, competence, fairness, and how a person treats others. It builds over time and can be lost quickly through dishonest or careless behaviour. This is the idea behind the common phrase 'respect is earned, not given'.

The main opposites are 'contempt' and 'disrespect'. Contempt is an active feeling that someone is beneath consideration, while disrespect is rude or dismissive treatment that denies a person's worth. Both signal the absence of the admiration and regard that respect involves, and both can seriously damage relationships and trust.