What is respect? Pronunciation and usage in English

respect means . Learn how to pronounce and use respect through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of respect

respectnoun

/rɪˈspɛkt/
Definition & pronunciation of respect

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "respect" in English! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • RE-spek

Let's break it down further:

  • Re: Pronounced like the "re" in "red." A short, quick vowel sound.
  • -spec: This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like "speck," as in a small spot. It’s a short, quick “eck” sound.

Here's a helpful audio resource:

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "spect" part. It's a short, quick sound.
  • Practice saying it slowly at first. Focus on the "re" and "eck" sounds.
  • Listen to examples: Using the audio resources above is the best way to get a feel for the rhythm and sound.

Do you want me to:

  • Break down any particular part of the pronunciation?
  • Give you some sentences using the word "respect" so you can practice?

Usage and examples with the word respect in English

Let's break down how to use the word "respect" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple layers of meaning! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Showing Admiration & Value):

  • General Admiration: This is the most common use. It means to hold someone or something in high regard.

    • "I have a lot of respect for my grandfather." (I admire him greatly.)
    • "She showed respect for the elderly." (She treated them with courtesy and consideration.)
    • "He built a strong respect for history through his research." (He developed a deep appreciation for it.)

  • Courtesy & Politeness: It means treating people with politeness and consideration.

    • "Please show respect for your classmates during the exam." (Be polite and considerate.)
    • “You need to show respect for other people’s opinions, even if you disagree.”

  • Special Status/Honor: Sometimes it implies official recognition or reverence.

    • "The soldier received respect for his bravery." (He was honored for his courage.)
    • "The cathedral commands respect with its grandeur." (It inspires awe and reverence.)

2. As a Verb (To Demonstrate Value & Courtesy):

  • To Treat with Politeness: This is the most frequent usage as a verb.

    • "I respect your decision." (I accept and value your choice.)
    • "He respected her privacy." (He didn’t intrude on her personal life.)
    • “She respects his boundaries.” (She understands and honors his limits.)

  • To Regard with Honor: Similar to the noun, but expressing action.

    • "We respect the traditions of our community.” (We value and uphold them.)

  • To Value & Appreciate: Showing you have good feelings towards something.

    • “I respect your hard work.” (I recognize and appreciate the effort you put in.)

3. Levels of Respect (Subtleties):

  • Due Respect: Shows a basic level of politeness and consideration. It’s the standard you should show.
  • Deep Respect: Represents a very strong admiration, admiration, and often a sense of reverence.
  • Mutual Respect: A valuable two-way interaction where both parties show regard for each other.

4. Common Phrases Using "Respect":

  • Show respect: (Act with politeness and consideration)
  • With all due respect…: (Used to soften a disagreement or criticism – be careful with this one, it can sometimes come across as confrontational if not delivered carefully.)
  • Show some respect!: (A command to someone to be more polite.)
  • Respectfully yours: (A formal closing used in letters.)
  • Show respect for the law: (Follow the rules.)

5. Important Considerations:

  • Context is Key: The precise meaning of "respect" will often depend on the context of the conversation or writing.
  • Tone Matters: The way you say "respect" is just as important as the word itself. It’s essential to convey sincerity.
  • Don’t confuse with "right": “Respect” is about behavior and attitude, not entitlement.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you hoping to use "respect" for specifically? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word respect

Idioms of the word respect

in respect of something
about; relating to
  • A writ was served on the firm in respect of their unpaid bill.
in payment for something
  • money received in respect of overtime worked
pay your respects (to somebody)
(formal)to visit somebody or to send a message of good wishes as a sign of respect for them
  • Many came to pay their last respects (= by attending somebody's funeral).
with respect | with all due respect
(formal)used when you are going to disagree, usually quite strongly, with somebody
  • With all due respect, the figures simply do not support you on this.
  • With all due respect, I think you've misunderstood what he said.
with respect to something
(formal or business)in connection with
  • The two groups were similar with respect to income and status.

Practice with vocabulary respect

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. It's important to show _________ for cultural differences in a global workplace.
  2. The team leader managed to earn the _________ of all her subordinates through her fairness and hard work.
  3. Her meticulous _________ to details ensured the project was completed without any major flaws.
  4. Employees expect fair treatment and _________ from their management regarding their personal time.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. When addressing a senior executive, it is important to _________ their position and experience. A) disregard B) defy C) value D) respect

  2. Despite their differing opinions, they always treated each other with mutual _________. A) deference B) appreciation C) respect D) reverence

  3. To foster a productive work environment, colleagues must _________ each other's professional boundaries and opinions. A) tolerate B) respect C) acknowledge D) observe

  4. Effective communication requires not just speaking clearly, but also actively _________ to understand others' perspectives. A) listening B) hearing C) perceiving D) comprehending

  5. In any negotiation, it's crucial to approach discussions with a _________ mindset, seeking mutually beneficial outcomes. A) competitive B) collaborative C) assertive D) dominant

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "respect": One must acknowledge the varied viewpoints of different cultures when engaging in international discussions.

  2. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "respect": The organization has a high regard for the ethical standards it upholds.

  3. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for 'admire and value', but do not use "respect" or its forms: It is crucial to admire and value the diverse backgrounds of all team members.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. It's important to show respect for cultural differences in a global workplace.
  2. The team leader managed to earn the respect of all her subordinates through her fairness and hard work.
  3. Her meticulous attention to details ensured the project was completed without any major flaws.
  4. Employees expect fair treatment and consideration from their management regarding their personal time.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) value, D) respect
  2. C) respect
  3. B) respect, C) acknowledge, D) observe
  4. A) listening
  5. B) collaborative

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. One must respect the varied viewpoints of different cultures when engaging in international discussions.
  2. The organization operates with deep respect for the ethical standards it upholds.
  3. It is crucial to appreciate the diverse backgrounds of all team members.

Comment ()