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n. 1. A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem: I have great respect for your work. See Synonyms at regard. 2. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem: a leader held in the greatest respect. 3. a. Consideration or appreciation: Can't you at least give me some respect? b. Due regard for something considered important or authoritative: respect for the law. 4. A particular aspect, feature, or detail: In many respects this is an important decision. tr.v. re·spect·ed, re·spect·ing, re·spects Idioms: 1. To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem or admire: All the other scholars respect her. 2. a. To avoid interfering with or intruding upon: Please respect my privacy. b. To avoid violating: I respected the speed limit throughout the trip. 3. To relate or refer to; concern: As respects the rights of land owners, this law says nothing. in respect of Chiefly British With respect to. pay (one's) respects 1. To express polite respect, as by paying a visit or addressing one's host: "He paid his respects to the newly-weds, clapping the groom on the shoulder and saying something that made him laugh" (Clare Clark). 2. To express mournful respect for the dead, as by attending a wake or delivering a eulogy: "Six Capuchin monks, sitting by the coffin, took turns reciting the prayers for the dead as dignitaries filed by to pay their respects" (David I. Kertzer). with/in respect to In reference or relation to; concerning: "The Supreme Court ... permits greater restriction of commercial speech under current case law than it does with respect to other types of speech" (Samuel A. Alito, Jr.). [From Middle English, regard, from Old French, from Latin respectus, action of looking back at, regard, from past participle of respicere, to look back at, regard : re-, re- + specere, to look at; see spek- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] re·specter n. |
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