B1adjectivesocietyrelationships
US/rɪˈspek.tə.bəl/
UK/rɪˈspek.tə.bəl/
considered by society to be good, honest and proper; also good enough, though not excellent
In context
Her parents wanted her to marry a man from a respectable family.
He finished the race in a respectable time for a beginner.
Put on a clean shirt so you look respectable for the interview.
Words that go with respectable
adjective + noun
- respectable familyShe grew up in a quiet, respectable family in Hue.
- respectable jobHe gave up a respectable job at a bank to open a café.
- respectable amountThe charity raised a respectable amount of money in just one week.
- respectable distanceThe photographers stayed at a respectable distance from the elephants.
- respectable citizenHe seemed like a respectable citizen, but he had a secret past.
adverb + adjective
- perfectly respectableSelling street food is a perfectly respectable way to earn a living.
- quite respectableOur score was quite respectable for a first attempt.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Children should be respectable to their grandparents.Correct: Children should be respectful to their grandparents.