adjectiveadjectivenoun

respectueux

respectful

Definition & meaning

Respectueux means respectful: showing consideration, politeness, or regard for someone or something.

  • A person can be respectful of others.
  • An action, attitude, or tone can show respect.
  • With de, it can mean observant of or compliant with something, such as rules or the environment.

Grammar & Word origin

An adjective, usually placed after the noun it describes:

  • Masculine: respectueux (singular and plural)
  • Feminine: respectueuse (singular), respectueuses (plural)

It comes from respect , “respect,” with the adjective-forming suffix -ueux.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • poli — polite; emphasizes good manners rather than deeper respect.
  • courtois — courteous; suggests refined or particularly considerate behavior.
  • déférent — deferential; implies respect shown toward someone of higher status or authority.

Antonyms

  • irrespectueux — disrespectful; the direct opposite.
  • impoli — impolite or rude; focuses on a lack of manners.

Common phrases & collocations

  • respectueux des autres — respectful of others
  • respectueux des règles — observant of the rules
  • respectueux de l’environnement — environmentally friendly or respectful of the environment
  • un ton respectueux — a respectful tone

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Examples

Elle a toujours été respectueuse envers ses professeurs.adjective

She has always been respectful toward her teachers.

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