re·spect·able
ri-ˈspek-tə-bəl
2
: decent or correct in character or behavior : proper
3
a
: fair in size or quantity
a respectable amount
b
: moderately good : tolerable
a respectable performance
4
: fit to be seen : presentable
respectable clothes
: a respectable person
re·spect·abil·i·ty
-ˌspektəˈbilətē
-lətē,
-i
1
a
: the quality or state of being respectable
b
: the status of being respectable : consequence
2
a
: a respectable person : respectable persons
the respectability of the town
b
: a respectable convention : decency
those little respectabilities that make group life bearable
Cite this Entry
“Respectable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respectable. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
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