What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
respective
Example
The students returned to their respective classrooms. [respective: adjective]
Example
The brothers went to their respective jobs after breakfast. [respective: adjective]
relevant
Example
The article provided relevant information for the research project. [relevant: adjective]
Example
The speaker made several relevant points during the presentation. [relevant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relevant is more commonly used than respective in everyday language. Relevant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while respective is less common and refers to a specific type of relationship between things or people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between respective and relevant?
Both respective and relevant are considered formal words, but relevant is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while respective is typically used in more formal or technical writing.
