respectively

adverb

re·​spec·​tive·​ly ri-ˈspek-tiv-lē How to pronounce respectively (audio)
Synonyms of respectively
1
: in the order given
My cousin and I were respectively 12 and 16 years old.
2
: in particular : separately
could not recognize the solutions as salty or sour, respectively

Examples of respectively in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At 16% and 7% respectively, they have been kneecapped by their association with the political mainstream that has become so unpopular. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026 An average of four recent polls puts the two camps at roughly 50 and 53 seats, respectively, leaving Arab parties and smaller factions potentially pivotal. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 Immigration attorney Marilee Fiebig and actor Andrew Shue, former spouses of Holmes and Robach, respectively, are engaged. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Steak n Shake and Smashburger confirm the practice on their own websites, in sections about seed oils and the Smashburger FAQ, respectively. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for respectively

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of respectively was in 1602

Rhymes for respectively

See All Rhymes for respectively

Browse Nearby Words

respective
respectively
respectiveness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Respectively.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respectively. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

respectively

adverb
re·​spec·​tive·​ly
ri-ˈspek-tiv-lē
: each in the order given
John and Mary were 12 and 13 years old respectively

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