Use respectfully when you want to convey deference or politeness in a statement or action.
Use respectfully when you want to convey deference or politeness in a statement or action.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| She respectful listened to the lecture. | She respectfully listened to the lecture. |
| He was respectful to the elder. | He was respectfully attentive to the elder. |
| I respectfully agreed. | I respectfully agreed. |
Use respectfully at the start of a sentence when you want to preface a critical comment with a softened, sometimes tongue‑in‑cheek tone.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Respectfully, I think the report is perfect. | I think the report is perfect. |
| He gave a respectfully answer. | He gave a respectful answer. |
| Respectfullly, I disagree. | Respectfully, I disagree. |
Use respectfully when you want to convey deference, and when you preface a critical remark with a softening tone, especially in informal or humorous contexts.
Dropping the -ly and saying respectful instead of respectfully when an adverb is needed.
From the adjective respectful, formed from respect + -ful, plus the adverbial suffix -ly.
What does respectfully mean?
It means acting with deference or politeness, and it can also be used to preface a blunt statement in a softened, often humorous way.
How is respectfully pronounced?
It is pronounced /rɪˈspɛktfəli/.
When should I use respectfully before a statement?
Use it at the start of a sentence when you want to soften a critical or controversial comment, especially in informal or humorous contexts.
Is respectfully formal or informal?
It is neutral when showing deference, but the softening use is informal and often humorous.
What are some synonyms for respectfully?
Polite, courteous, deferential, civil, considerate, reverent, and with respect.
What is the origin of respectfully?
It comes from the adjective respectful (respect + -ful) with the adverbial suffix -ly added.