respectif

respective

adjective reh-spehk-TEEF Rare

Origin: Latin 'respectivus', from 'respicere' (to look back at).

Usage Note

Respectif always appears in the plural in practice — leurs rôles respectifs (their respective roles) — because it marks distinction among multiple items. The adverb respectivement (respectively) is the paired form learners frequently need. The feminine is respective.

Examples

"Ils ont regagné leurs postes respectifs."

Natural Translation

They returned to their respective posts.

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