respectfulre‧spect‧ful /rɪˈspektfəl/ ●○○ adjective 
Examples
They listened in respectful silence.respectful of He was always respectful of my independence.► see thesaurus at polite—respectfully adverb—respectfulness noun [uncountable]
ExamplesEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
Thesaurus- If children were taught to be more respectful towards their elders, maybe these crimes wouldn't happen so often.
- They stood a respectful distance away from the casket.
- They waited in respectful silence as the funeral procession went past.
- Coming on all awed and respectful would just put the wind up her.
- Gary simply sat with an admiring and respectful look on his face.
- Grouped around one car in a respectful semicircle, they stared, their eyes fixed to one window.
- His words to the tree seemed to be respectful and thoughtful, and he addressed whatever he saw as Sister.
- Somehow it doesn't seem respectful.
- We are respectful of one another.
THESAURUS► polite
Collocations behaving or speaking in a way that is correct for the social situation you are in, and showing that you are careful to consider other people’s needs and feelings: · He was too polite to ask how old she was.· ‘Excuse me, sir,’ she said in a polite voice.
► well-mannered having good manners and knowing the correct way to behave in social situations: · She was beautifully dressed and very well-mannered.
► well-behaved polite and not causing any trouble – used about children or animals: · The children were very well-behaved.· Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the hotel.
► courteous polite and respectful, and behaving rather formally: · The hotel staff were very courteous and helpful.· a courteous reply
► respectful polite and treating someone with respect: · He was very respectful towards all my relatives.· ‘Thank you,’ he said with a respectful bow.
► civil polite in a formal way, especially when you do not feel very friendly towards someone: · She’d never liked her father-in-law, but she forced herself to be civil to him.· When you’ve stopped arguing, you might be able to have a civil conversation.
► deferential formal polite towards someone, especially because they are in a more important social position: · In those days women were expected to be deferential to men.
Longman Language Activatorwords for describing someone who is polite► polite someone who is polite follows the rules of social behaviour and shows respect for other people and their feelings: · He seemed a very polite young man.· a polite requestit is polite to do something: · I didn't really care what she thought about the book, but I thought it would be polite to ask her.· It's not considered polite to ask someone how much they earn.polite to: · She's always extremely polite to me, but I never know what she's really thinking.make polite conversation (=talk politely about unimportant things, especially to someone you do not know very well): · The last thing I felt like doing was making polite conversation with my roommate's parents.
► respectful showing proper respect for someone who is older than you, has a higher position than you etc: · They waited in respectful silence as the funeral procession went past.respectful to/towards: · If children were taught to be more respectful towards their elders, maybe these crimes wouldn't happen so often.
► civil polite in a rather formal way, without necessarily being friendly: · I expect a civil answer when I ask you a question.civil to/towards: · I wish you'd be a little more civil towards our guests.
► courteous someone who is courteous is polite and considers the needs of other people, especially in formal situations when you do not know the other people well: · Airline staff must be courteous at all times, even when passengers are not.· I received a courteous letter from Jane's mother thanking me for my help.courteous to: · He was always kind and courteous to me, but we never really became friends.
► well-mannered someone who is well-mannered has good manners, and always knows the correct way to behave in social situations: · Henry was a typical Oxford man - well-mannered, easy-going, and very sure of himself.· The children were good little things, well-mannered, and beautifully dressed.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB► more
Word family· The upper windows and galleries were full enough, however, although the faces were more respectful and curious than ecstatic.· Old News was slower and quieter, but also more respectful.· You write that reach is what travellers there do rather than arrive being more respectful to the gods of place.
► very· I couldn't have been more wrong; people are very respectful there.· The children are very nice and so very respectful.· They were very alert, and very respectful when they saw the pennants flying on the wings.· They are very respectful, and they are probably some of the most knowledgeable fans.
NOUN► distance· Voice over Even the governor is on first name terms with the inmates, although the staff still keep a respectful distance.· At a respectful distance were the houses of Adivassis, scattered sparsely through woods and fields.· Here it is thought proper to preserve a respectful distance on both sides.· The rest of their party was following them but at a respectful distance.· He still kept a respectful distance from Rab, who felt some indignation, like a leper.· Two chambermaids were standing at a respectful distance, watching his efforts in some awe.
WORD FAMILYnounrespect ≠ disrespectrespectabilityrespecterrespectfulnessadjectiverespectablerespectedrespectful ≠ disrespectfulrespectiveadverbrespectablyrespectfully ≠ disrespectfullyrespectivelyverbrespect ≠ disrespect
feeling or showing respect OPP disrespectful: They listened in respectful silence.respectful of He was always respectful of my independence.► see thesaurus at polite—respectfully adverb—respectfulness noun [uncountable]