respectably
gb/ɹispˈɛktəbli/ us/ɹispˈɛktəbli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
in a decent, proper way
In a good and acceptable way.
Usage pattern:
respectably + [verb/adjective]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse with respectfully (= showing respect to someone).
Synonyms
decently (Focuses on what is socially acceptable and not shocking.)
|
properly (Emphasizes correct behavior or manners.)
|
respectably (Implies meeting social standards and avoiding embarrassment.)
Antonyms
indecently (Violates social or moral standards.)
|
shamefully (Suggests behavior that deserves criticism or disgrace.)
Collocations
respectably dressed
|respectably behaved
|respectably married
|respectably brought up
|respectably clothed
|respectably respectable (rare/awkward)
|live respectably
|dress respectably
|conduct yourself respectably
|act respectably
Themes
society
|behavior
|appearance
Examples
- He was respectably dressed for the job interview.
- They tried to live respectably and stay out of trouble.
- The guests were expected to behave respectably at the ceremony.
Learner examples
- Please dress respectably for the meeting.
- She behaves respectably in public.
adverb
B2
quantity
2
to a fairly good standard
Quite well; well enough to be good.
Usage pattern:
do/perform/sell respectably; respectably + [adjective/adverb]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse it for strong praise; it usually means 'fairly good', not 'excellent'.
Synonyms
reasonably (Neutral and common for an acceptable level.)
|
fairly (Often slightly informal; can sound softer.)
|
creditably (More formal; highlights that the result deserves some credit.)
Antonyms
poorly (Below an acceptable standard.)
|
badly (General opposite; stronger than 'poorly' in many contexts.)
|
miserably (Much worse than expected; very negative.)
Collocations
do respectably
|perform respectably
|sell respectably
|fare respectably
|score respectably
|finish respectably
|respectably well
|respectably good
|respectably large
|respectably sized
Themes
evaluation
|work
|performance
Examples
- The team did respectably in their first season.
- Her first novel sold respectably well.
- He speaks Spanish respectably, considering he’s only studied for a year.
Learner examples
- The company did respectably this year.
- I can swim respectably well.
Grammar
Dictionary form
respectably
IPA
GB/ɹispˈɛktəbli/
US/ɹispˈɛktəbli/
Syllables & stress
re - spect - ably (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (spect)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: respectably
- Plural: respectablies
Expressions
do respectably
1/dˈu ɹispˈɛktəbli/
fixed phrase
perform fairly well
To do fairly well.
Examples
- Our new product should do respectably in a competitive market.
- She did respectably in the exam despite being ill.
live respectably
1/lˈɪv ɹispˈɛktəbli/
fixed phrase
live a decent, proper life
To live in a good and acceptable way.
Examples
- After he got the job, he could live respectably and support his family.
- They wanted to live respectably and keep a low profile in the neighborhood.
respectably dressed
1/ɹispˈɛktəbli dɹˈɛst/
fixed phrase
dressed in a proper way
Wearing clothes that look proper for the situation.
Examples
- Everyone arrived respectably dressed for the wedding.
- He tried to look respectably dressed for the interview, even with a limited budget.