Meaning & use
pay respect
Last updated
UK/ˌpeɪ rɪˈspekt/
US/ˌpeɪ rɪˈspekt/
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
To show honor or polite consideration for someone or something, often by a gesture or visit.
Grammar: Usually followed by 'to' and a person or thing: 'pay respect to the dead'. Also used as 'pay one's respects'.
Patterns
- pay respect to someone
- pay one's respects
- pay respect for something
We visited the memorial to pay respect to the soldiers who died.
It is customary to pay respect to your elders in many cultures.
The president paid his respects at the funeral.
Common combinations
- pay respect to the dead
- People gathered to pay respect to the dead after the disaster.
- pay one's last respects
- Hundreds came to pay their last respects to the late mayor.
- pay respect for traditions
- The ceremony pays respect for ancient traditions.
Synonyms and how they differ
- honor
- A more general verb meaning to show respect; 'pay respect' is a fixed phrase often used in specific contexts.
- show respect
- Similar meaning but more direct; 'pay respect' often implies a formal act.
Opposites
Word family
- respectful adjective
- Showing respect.
Practice
Choose the correct preposition: 'We must pay respect ___ our ancestors.'
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'pay respect to someone'. Other prepositions do not fit this pattern.
Make it your own
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