Respectable
/rɪˈspɛktəbəl/
Definitions
3 meaningsWorthy of respect or esteem; decent, honorable, or proper.
/rɪˈspɛktəbəl/
Worthy of respect; admired
She has a respectable reputation in the community.
💡 Simply: Someone or something that is considered good, proper, and deserving of respect. Imagine your friend has a really well-behaved dog. You might say, "Wow, that's a respectable dog!" because it behaves well.
👶 For kids: Being good and worthy of being liked or admired.
More Examples
They live in a respectable neighborhood.
The museum building has a respectable appearance.
How It's Used
"He comes from a respectable family."
"The company showed respectable profits this year."
Fairly good in quality or size; not outstanding, but good enough.
/rɪˈspɛktəbəl/
Of a moderately good standard or quality
They achieved a respectable level of success in their business venture.
💡 Simply: It means something is okay or good, but not amazing. Like, if you get a "B" on a test, it's a respectable grade – it's good enough!
👶 For kids: Good, but not the best. It's like getting a good grade at school.
More Examples
She managed a respectable marathon time.
The restaurant serves respectable food.
How It's Used
"The company had a respectable turnover last quarter."
"He got a respectable score on the test."
Having a presentable appearance; fitting the standards of propriety.
/rɪˈspɛktəbəl/
Of a reasonable or presentable appearance, especially in dress.
He wore a respectable suit to the interview.
💡 Simply: It can also mean looking nice, like having clothes that are suitable for a certain situation. Like, you dress in respectable clothes when you go to a fancy restaurant.
👶 For kids: Looking neat and tidy.
More Examples
The room was kept in a respectable state of cleanliness.
She always maintained a respectable posture.
How It's Used
"She always dresses in a respectable manner."
"He needed to put on some respectable clothes for the job interview."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a respectable amount
A considerable or significant quantity, though not necessarily large or extravagant.
"They raised a respectable amount of money for the charity."
From Middle English respectable, from Old French respectable, from Latin respectabilis ('worthy of being respected').
The word 'respectable' has been used in the English language since the 15th century. Early usages often focused on a person's character or social standing.
Memory tip
Think of 'respect' and then 'able' to have it.
Word Origin
"To look at with regard or esteem. This evolved into meaning 'worthy of respect'."