Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| respectus | [rɛsˈpɛk.tʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [resˈpɛk.tus] (narrow) |
masculine |
| observantia | [ɔp.sɛrˈwan.ti.a] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ob.serˈvan.t͡si.a] (narrow) |
feminine |
| reverentia | [rɛ.wɛˈrɛn.ti.a] (Classical Latin, narrow) [re.veˈrɛn.t͡si.a] (narrow) |
feminine |
The noun refers to the admiration for a person or entity due to perceived merit. Related verbs include respicio, to have regard for someone, revereor, to revere, and honōrō, to honor or show respect through public distinction.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun respectus is derived from the verb respicio and literally means a looking back or a looking towards.
Which one should you use?
While respectus implies a sense of regard or looking back, reverentia carries a stronger connotation of awe, fear or religious reverence. In contrast, observantia refers more specifically to the respect shown through the careful observance of customs, duties or rules.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb revereor is a deponent verb, which means it uses passive forms to convey an active meaning.
Did you know?
- The word respectus shares a common ancestor with the English word 'spectacle'. Both come from the Proto-Indo-European root *speḱ-, which means 'to observe' or 'to see'.
- While observantia means 'respect' today, its root observo originally meant 'to watch over' or 'to keep a gaze upon' something carefully.
- In Roman culture, reverentia was not just a feeling but a social requirement. It often blended admiration with a healthy fear of the gods or those with higher social status.
Examples in context
- Reverentia emi non potest.You can't buy respect.This sentence is useful for illustrating that reverentia cannot be purchased.Tatoeba #5048130 by alexmarcelo, translation #1951377 by CK
- Reverentia est virtus magna.Respect is a great virtue.
- Amicis semper reverentiam habeto.Always have respect for your friends.
- Respectus dignitatisRespect for dignity.
Example conversation
Quintus and Claudia are discussing a wise old teacher.
- QuintusAmicus noster sapientissimus est.Our friend is very wise.
- ClaudiaIta, reverentiam meretur.Yes, he deserves respect.
- QuintusOmnes eum diligunt.Everyone likes him.
- ClaudiaEt omnes eum colunt.And everyone honors him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “respect” translations and entries respectus, observantia, reverentia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries respectus, reverentia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
