I. rə̇ˈspekt, rēˈs- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin respectus act of looking back, regard, consideration, from respectus, past participle of respicere to look back — more at respect II
1.
a. : a relation to or concern with something usually specified
the final questions had respect to her financial situation
b. : a relation or reference to a particular thing or situation : relevance
remarks having respect to an earlier plan
c. obsolete : aspect
2.
a. : an act of noticing with attention : the giving of particular attention to : consideration
having respect to the views of another
b. obsolete : heed , care , circumspection
c. respects plural , obsolete : attention to diverse matters
3.
a. : high or special regard : deferential regard (as from a servant to his master) : esteem
a great respect for his judgment
— often used in negative construction
having no respect for class distinctions
b. : the quality or state of being esteemed : honor
a man generally held in high respect
c. obsolete : standing , reputation
d. respects plural
(1) obsolete : courtesies
(2) : expressions of respect or deference
paid his respects
4. obsolete : consideration , motive , interest
5.
a. obsolete : comparison — used chiefly in the phrase in respect
b. : a point regarded : particular , detail
in all respects perfect
Synonyms: see regard
•
- in respect
- in respect of
- in respect to
- with respect to
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin respectus, past participle of respicere to look back, look back at, regard, have respect for, from re- + specere to look — more at spy
transitive verb
1. obsolete : respite , postpone , neglect
2.
a. obsolete
(1) : consider , deem , heed
(2) : to look for : anticipate
(3) : to look toward or at : front upon or toward
(4) : to look upon
b. : to be depicted facing (as one another) — used of heraldic figures
3.
a. : to consider worthy of esteem : regard or treat with respect
loved and respected his parents
: esteem , value
b. : to refrain from obtruding upon or interfering with
respect a person's privacy
4. : to have regard or reference to : relate to : be concerned with
the treaty respects our commerce
intransitive verb
: look , front , face — usually used in heraldry
•
- as respects
- respect the person