respectively - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
respectively Word Meanings
- in the order mentioned
- correspondingly
- individually as specified
respectively Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
respectively Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/rɪˈspɛktɪvli/
US
/rɪˈspɛktɪvli/
respectively Word Etymology
re- = again + spectively (from 'spectare' = to look). Originated from Latin through Old French to English. Imagine two friends looking at a list, they point respectively at each item as they read out their choices.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Stand up from the desk and push the chair back a little, then I move the cards across the tray. I shift each card into place, adjusting spacing as I line up two lists side by side. I feel a small push of concentration, keeping track, turning my effort into a steady rhythm until each item matches its partner in turn. When I set the last card down, the order feels natural, and the pairing clicks into place respectively.
Real Context
Respectively is used to indicate that two or more items correspond in the same order as previously mentioned. It often follows a list and clarifies that each element maps to or applies to the item at the same position. For example, if you name three people and three tasks, you might say that the girls chose A, B, and C, respectively, meaning the first person chose A, the second B, and the third C. It emphasizes individual correspondence rather than collective action. Remember that respectively pairs with the order you have set, not with the total number of items; it helps avoid repeating names or adjectives.
Usage Reminders
- Use after a list to show item-by-item mapping.
- Keep the same order as the items named.
- Use only when there are equal numbers of items and referents.
- Do not separate the mapping with generic conjunctions.
- If the counts differ or order is unclear, rephrase to avoid ambiguity.
Common Misconceptions
- It means 'in total' rather than item by item mapping.
- It can be used when the two lists have different lengths.
- It is interchangeable with 'correspondingly' in every context.
- It is optional in most sentences.
- It should be inserted after every item in the list.
Thinking Differences
For native English users, respectively is a compact cue that ties two lists by position. Learners often miss that the counts must align and that the order in the second list matches the order in the first. Students also sometimes treat it as optional, or try to omit it when the mapping seems obvious, which leads to ambiguity.
Learning Tips
- Practice with pairs of lists in different contexts.
- Write sentences first without respectively, then add it for clarity.
- Focus on matching count and order, not semantics alone.
- Use visuals like numbered lists to reinforce mapping.
- Check ambiguity by rephrasing without it.
- Read native examples to see natural usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'respectively'?
A.Quickly
B.In a certain manner
C.Separately
D.Together
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'respectively' correctly?
A.They were born in New York and Chicago, respectively.
B.She likes to read books in the park.
C.He bought a red and a blue shirt.
D.They arrived together at the party.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'respectively'?
A.Jointly
B.Individually
C.Collectively
D.Consecutively
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym of 'respectively'?
A.Together
B.Concurrently
C.Severally
D.Simultaneously
Step 5: Mastery
In what type of situation would you use 'respectively'?
A.Comparing two separate items
B.Describing a shared experience
C.Expressing combined actions
D.Signifying a group decision
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