What does respectable mean?
Respectable means worthy of respect or esteem, often because a person is thought to have good character, sound principles, or an established social position. The word can describe an individual, such as a respectable member of the community, or something associated with social approval, such as a respectable profession or respectable behaviour. It also has a somewhat more qualified sense: something may be called respectable when it is proper, adequate, or socially acceptable, but not especially impressive. For example, a performance might be described as respectable if it meets the expected standard without being outstanding. The adjective is used in both formal and everyday British and American English. Its force ranges from genuine approval to mild understatement, and in negative contexts it can imply conduct that falls short of what one ought to consider proper. Respectably is the corresponding adverb, formed directly from the adjective.
adjectiveWorthy of respect or esteem, especially because of good character, conduct, or social standing. It can also mean socially acceptable or adequate, often with the implication that something meets only a moderate standard.
- Worthy of respect or esteem because of character, conduct, achievements, or standing.
- Socially acceptable, proper, or conforming to conventional standards.
- Adequate or satisfactory, especially when contrasted with something better or more impressive.
"She has always behaved in a respectable manner, whatever the circumstances."
"The proposal came from a respectable and experienced member of the community."
"They needed a respectable explanation for missing the meeting, but they offered no credible reason."
"The restaurant's food was respectable, although it was hardly memorable."
Something can be respectable without being impressive: the word often praises good conduct while quietly suggesting that the standard is nothing extraordinary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does respectable come from?
Respectable was formed in the late 16th century from the English word respect and the suffix -able. Its original sense was worthy of respect or esteem. The word belongs to a family associated with the Latin root respectus, past participle of respicere, meaning to look at or regard, and later to consider carefully or hold in esteem.
Related word forms
How respectable is actually used
Respectable is commonly neutral to mildly approving in British and US English. In phrases such as a respectable excuse or a respectable attempt, it can suggest that something is merely adequate or acceptable rather than excellent.
Easily confused with respectable
Respectable describes someone or something worthy of respect, whereas respectful describes someone who shows courtesy and deference to others.