respect
/rɪˈspɛkt/
noun
Origin
Latin
respectus — regard, consideration, looking back
Overview
Meaning Now
- a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements
- due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others
- a particular aspect, point, or detail
Literal older meaning
to look back at
Language path
Latin → Middle French → English
Earliest form
respect
Earliest period
15th century
Journey
The word evolved from the Latin verb 'respicere', which implies the act of turning back to look at something, conveying a sense of noticing or paying attention. Over time, it shifted from the literal act of looking to the metaphorical sense of showing esteem or value toward someone.
Evolution
- Latin
respicere
“to look back, look at, regard”
from re- 'back' + specere 'to look'
- Latin
respectus
“a looking back, regard”
past participle of respicere
- Middle French
respect
“regard, consideration”
adopted into French from Latin
- English, 15th century
respect
“consideration, attention”
early use in English contexts
Connections
Word parts
re-
prefix
back or again
spect
root
to look
Related across languages
French
respect
Spanish
respeto
respect
Italian
rispetto
respect
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Related to respect
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.