Respectable (en. Respectable)

/ʁɛs.pɛk.ta.bl/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
adjective
Who has a good reputation, who inspires respect.
He led a respectable life, full of honesty.
Il a mené une vie respectable, pleine d'honnêteté.
Who meets accepted social and moral standards.
She associates with respectable people in her neighborhood.
Elle fréquente des gens respectables dans son quartier.
Who is worthy of esteem or consideration.
His work is considered respectable in his field.
Son travail est considéré comme respectable dans son domaine.

Etymology

From the Latin respectabilis, derived from respectare, meaning 'to look favorably upon'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

a respectable man
A man who deserves respect and has a good reputation.
un homme respectable
a respectable life
A life lived in an ethical and honorable manner.
une vie respectable
respectable individuals
Individuals who have a good reputation in society.
des personnes respectables

Related Words

respect
Esteem or consideration towards a person or a thing.
respect
respectful
Which demonstrates respect.
respectueux
respectability
Quality of what is respectable.
respectabilité

Slang Meanings

Not very common in colloquial language, but used to describe something suitable.
This movie is a bit too respectable for me.
Ce film est un peu trop respectable pour moi.
Sometimes used sarcastically to refer to someone who takes themselves too seriously.
He acts as if he were a respectable man even though he is not that serious.
Il agit comme s'il était un homme respectable alors qu'il n'est pas si sérieux.