Meaning & use
command respect
Last updated
Meaning
phraseidiom
To be admired and trusted by others because of your abilities, character, or position.
Grammar: Used as a verb phrase with a person or thing as the subject; no object follows directly after 'respect'.
Patterns
- someone commands respect
- something commands respect
- command respect from someone
A good manager commands respect by listening to the team.
The old professor commanded respect from students and colleagues alike.
Her calm handling of the crisis commanded respect across the industry.
Word forms
| third person singular | commands respect |
|---|---|
| past tense | commanded respect |
| past participle | commanded respect |
| -ing form | commanding respect |
Common combinations
- command respect from
- She commands respect from everyone who works with her.
- command respect by doing something
- He commands respect by always keeping his promises.
- command respect for
- The team commanded respect for their fair play.
Synonyms and how they differ
- earn respect
- Focuses on the effort or actions that lead to being respected, while 'command respect' suggests the respect comes naturally or automatically.
- inspire respect
- Emphasizes the feeling of respect that others develop, often because of someone's qualities; 'command respect' is stronger and more authoritative.
Opposites
Commonly confused: command respect or demand respect?
command respect vs demand respect
'Demand respect' means asking for it forcefully, often without earning it; 'command respect' means receiving it naturally because of who you are or what you do.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
'Command respect from someone' is the correct pattern. 'To', 'of', and 'for' do not fit this idiom.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “command respect”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.