Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

respectful

/ɹɪˈspɛkt.fl̩/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.71 in modern English

Syllables: re-spect-ful
IPA: /ɹɪˈspɛkt.fl̩/

17

Scrabble Score

10

Letters

3

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Marked or characterized by respect

Example Sentences

"1907, Marshall Broomhall (Editor), The Chinese Empire. A General & Missionary Survey/The Province of Kansu On the whole, indifference rather than open hostility has been the attitude of the people towards the Gospel, but since 1900 there has been a more eager and respectful attention to the things taught."
"It is of great importance that you act in a respectful manner towards the duke and duchess."
"They used highly respectful language when conversing with the elders."

Etymology

From respect + -ful.

Word Breakdown

Suffix: respect

Inflected Forms

more respectful (comparative) most respectful (superlative) respec'ful (alternative)

Derived Forms

nonrespectful overrespectful respectfully respectfulness unrespectful

Frequently Paired Words

respective respectable

Synonyms

reverential venerating

Antonyms

contemptuous disdainful disrespectful

Rhymes With

disrespectful neglectful

Questions

How do you pronounce respectful?: The recorded pronunciation is /ɹɪˈspɛkt.fl̩/.
What does respectful mean?: Marked or characterized by respect
Where does respectful come from?: From respect + -ful.

How to pronounce respectful

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “respectful”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ɹɪˈspɛkt.fl̩/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “respectful” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.