respect: Meaning and Definition of

re•spect

Pronunciation: (ri-spekt'), [key]
— n.
  1. a particular, detail, or point (usually prec. by in): to differ in some respect.
  2. relation or reference: inquiries with respect to a route.
  3. esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability: I have great respect for her judgment.
  4. deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgment: respect for a suspect's right to counsel; to show respect for the flag; respect for the elderly.
  5. the condition of being esteemed or honored: to be held in respect.
  6. a formal expression or gesture of greeting, esteem, or friendship: Give my respects to your parents.
  7. favor or partiality.
  8. a consideration.
  9. in reference to; in regard to; concerning.
  10. because of; since.
  11. We paid our respects to the new neighbors.
    1. to visit in order to welcome, greet, etc.:We paid our respects to the new neighbors.
    2. to express one's sympathy, esp. to survivors following a death:We paid our respects to the family.
  12. referring to; concerning: with respect to your latest request.
—v.t.
  1. to hold in esteem or honor: I cannot respect a cheat.
  2. to show regard or consideration for: to respect someone's rights.
  3. to refrain from intruding upon or interfering with: to respect a person's privacy.
  4. to relate or have reference to.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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