Respect
/rɪˈspɛkt/
nounverbB1
Definition
Respect is when you value someone or something because of their good qualities, abilities, or rights. It means treating people politely and kindly, understanding their feelings and opinions. Respect can also mean recognizing rules, traditions, or laws as important.
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See It in Action
A feeling of admiration or high regard for someone or something
- •She has great respect for her grandmother’s wisdom.
- •We should show respect to people who work hard.
- •Respect for nature is important in many cultures.
The act of treating someone or something with politeness and care
- •Please respect the rules of the library.
- •He respects his teacher by listening carefully.
- •They respected the quiet of the museum.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "respect" like "like" (A1 word), but deeper—it means you not only like someone but also admire and listen to them carefully.
- ✓Picture bowing your head slightly or shaking hands gently to show respect to someone older or important.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you admire a teacher or a friend who always helps others.
- ✓Sounds like "re-SPECT" → imagine someone looking carefully (spect means see) at another person with good feelings.
- ✓Think of stories where knights show respect to kings by standing quietly and listening.
- ✓NOT like "fear" (being scared)—respect is positive and kind, not about being afraid.
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (not paying attention)—respect means paying close attention and caring.
- ✓NOT like "love" (strong feeling)—respect is about admiration and politeness, not always strong emotion.
- ✓NOT like "obey" (just follow rules)—respect includes choice and feeling, not only following orders.
Try Other Words
- •Admire: to look up to someone for their qualities (Use when focusing on strong positive feelings)
- •Esteem: to value or regard highly (Use in formal or polite contexts)
- •Regard: to think about someone or something in a particular way (Use when talking about opinions or feelings)
- •Value: to think something is important or useful (Use when focusing on importance or worth)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: re- (again, back) + spect (from Latin "spectare" meaning "to look at")
- •Etymology: From Latin "respectus," meaning "looking back at," or "consideration"
- •Historical development: Originally meant to look back or pay attention to something; evolved to mean admiration and polite behavior
- •Modern usage: Used for feelings of admiration, polite behavior, and recognition of rights or rules
- •Key insight: Respect involves careful attention and positive feelings toward others or rules
Reflect & Connect
•How do you show respect to people who are different from you?
•Can you think of a time when you felt respected? How did it make you feel?
Fill in the blanks
1.You show respect when you ___ someone’s opinions, even if you disagree.
2.Respect is important because it helps people feel ___ and valued.
3.Unlike fear, respect is a positive feeling that comes from ___ someone’s good qualities.
4.When you respect a rule, you usually ___ it carefully and follow it.
5.People often show respect by using polite ___ and listening well.
6.Respect can be lost if someone ___ the feelings or rights of others.
7.In many cultures, respect for ___ is a key part of daily life.