respected

respected — adjective

1. held in high regard by others because of your positive qualities, skills, or not

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

held in high regard by others because of your positive qualities, skills, or notable achievements

Example

Hui is one of the most respected teachers at the school in Taipei.

one of the most respected + noun — superlative structure

After thirty years of reporting, Sana became a respected voice on Middle Eastern affairs.

Common collocations
  • highly respected
  • widely respected
  • well respected
  • respected for
  • respected by
  • respected among
  • respected figure
  • respected member
Synonyms
  • esteemed

    more formal, often used in ceremonial addresses or titles ('Esteemed colleagues')

  • admired

    broader in scope; can refer to appreciation for one specific quality rather than overall character

  • well-regarded

    similar in meaning and register, slightly less intense than 'respected'

  • revered

    much stronger, almost sacred quality of deep respect; used for cultural icons or spiritual figures

Antonyms
  • disrespected

    treated without proper regard or consideration

  • scorned

    actively looked down upon or rejected with contempt

Usage Note

Commonly modified by adverbs such as 'highly', 'widely', or 'well' (e.g., 'a highly respected judge'). Can be used both before a noun (attributive: 'a respected leader') and after a linking verb (predicative: 'She is respected by her peers'). 'Respected' describes the regard others feel; do not confuse with 'respectable' (socially acceptable or adequate) or 'respectful' (showing respect to others).

Common Mistakes

Dr. Kwame is a very respectable surgeon in his field.
Dr. Kwame is a very respected surgeon in his field.
'respectable' means socially acceptable or decent, not highly regarded.
The students were very respected toward their elderly teacher.
The students were very respectful toward their elderly teacher.
'respectful' means showing respect; 'respected' means receiving respect.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Respected, esteemed, revered, and admired all describe positive regard from others, but they differ in register and intensity. 'Respected' is the most general and common term, implying recognition of someone's qualities or position in a professional or community context. 'Esteemed' is noticeably more formal and carries a tone of high honor, often found in ceremonial openings ('Esteemed colleagues') or written tributes. 'Revered' is far stronger, suggesting deep, almost sacred veneration — it fits religious figures, cultural heroes, or elderly matriarchs/patriarchs. 'Admired' focuses on appreciation for particular talents or attributes rather than a person's whole standing; a musician may be admired for her technique without necessarily being respected as a person. For everyday use, 'respected' is the safest choice; switch to 'esteemed' for formal occasions, 'revered' for figures of profound influence, and 'admired' when highlighting a specific quality.

esteemedreveredadmiredwell-regarded

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • hold someone in high regard
  • earn the respect of
  • command respect

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'respectus', meaning 'regard, consideration' (literally 'a looking back at'), the past participle of 'respicere' ('to look back at, regard'). The word entered English via Old French 'respecter' in the 14th century, originally as a noun meaning 'relation, reference.' The adjective 'respected' emerged in the 16th century, carrying the sense of being regarded with esteem or honor.