Respects

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈspɛkts/

Definitions

1. Different aspects or details of a situation or thing ; gestures or words showing regard, honor, or esteem to someone
2. Specific features or points about something being considered ; respectful actions or statements made to show admiration or consideration
3. Various facets or elements of a subject ; demonstrations of respect or polite recognition towards a person or idea

Etymology: The "respects" in the sense of polite recognition is simply the plural of "respect," which is itself a verb and noun traced back to a striking image: looking back. Latin "respiciō" combined "re-" meaning "back" with "speciō," "to see," so the original sense was something like looking back at someone or something. That literal gaze gradually turned into a mental act of regarding, considering, and finally esteeming. The noun reached English from Old French "respect," which also had a close sibling, "respit," meaning consideration or regard. The two forms split apart over time: "respect" took on the sense of esteem, while "respite," a doublet of the same Latin source, came to mean a pause or delay, as if one were giving someone a moment to look back and reconsider. The plural "respects" carries the sense of individual acts or facets. When you pay your last respects at a funeral, you are performing a formal gesture of regard, and "respects" as a plural noun has come to mean such courteous acknowledgements in general.

Synonyms: regards, esteem

Antonyms: disregards, contempt