What does respectfully mean?
Respectfully is an adverb meaning “in a respectful or courteous manner.” It describes conduct that acknowledges another person’s rights, dignity, status, or feelings: one may speak respectfully, respond respectfully, or submit a request respectfully. The adverb can also carry the meaning “with respect” or “with consideration,” especially in phrases such as “respectfully disagree,” where it softens disagreement and signals regard for the other viewpoint. It is widely used in British and American English and is particularly common in formal correspondence, professional communication, public speaking, and official documents. Because it directly emphasizes manner and social consideration, respectfully can serve as a courteous alternative to the more neutral “politely.” Its conventional use in phrases such as “respectfully submitted” makes it especially recognizable in letters, reports, and ceremonial language.
In a manner showing respect, courtesy, or deference.
"The student respectfully asked permission to enter."
Common in formal and professional contexts.
With respect or consideration for a particular person, view, or concern.
"Respectfully, the committee recommends delaying the vote."
This sense often appears in formal correspondence and discussions involving disagreement or qualification.
Respectfully turns a simple act of communication into a clear signal that another person’s dignity matters.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does respectfully come from?
Respectfully was formed in the early 19th century from the adjective “respectful,” which in turn comes from “respect.” “Respect” entered English in the late 14th century from Old French respect, from Latin respectus, a noun meaning “regard” or “consideration,” derived from respicere, “to look back at” or “to regard.” The same Latin root appears in words such as “respectable,” “respectively,” and “prospective.”
How respectfully is actually used
The adverb is formal and especially common in professional, official, and public contexts. It can sound deferential or formal, while “respectfully submitted” is a conventional formula in letters and documents.
Easily confused with respectfully
Respectfully describes an action or manner that shows courtesy, whereas respectively indicates that items correspond to one another in the order mentioned.