WordValerespectively
in the order already mentioned
In more detail
in the order just mentioned; each separately in the order given
Examples
- Alice and Bob are 25 and 30 years old respectively.
How to use respectively
Respectively indicates that two or more items correspond one-to-one with items in a previously mentioned sequence, maintaining strict order. It is primarily used in formal, technical, and academic writing to avoid ambiguity when listing parallel structures or paired information.
Common phrases
- respectively speaking
- A and B, respectively
- first and second, respectively
- the 1st and 2nd respectively
- are A and B, respectively
Synonyms
in order · in turn · individually · separately · each in the given order
Word family
respect (noun) · respectable (adjective) · respecting (preposition)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'respectively' when the parallel structure is unclear or when the number of items on each side does not match, creating confusion rather than clarification.
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