Respectaverunt

Respectaverunt is a Latin verb form meaning “they respected” or “they regarded.” It is the third-person plural perfect active indicative of the first-conjugation verb respectare, used to express a completed action by multiple subjects.

Morphology and construction: The form is built from the present stem respect- plus the perfect active ending -averunt, characteristic of the third-person plural in the perfect tense for -are verbs. The subject is typically supplied by the surrounding clause, since -erunt indicates “they.”

Usage and nuance: Respectare, from which respectaverunt is derived, conveys the sense of regard or esteem. In Latin, expressions of respect or reverence can also be rendered by other verbs such as honoring or esteeming, depending on context. For the sense “to look at or regard,” respecere or respicere with its own perfect forms (e.g., respexerunt) may appear in other passages; respectaverunt specifically carries the meaning of respecting or regarding in the sense of esteem or honor when used with an object (e.g., legem, rem, personam).

Example: Patres legem respectaverunt. Translation: The fathers respected the law.

Notes: Respectaverunt is attested in Latin texts as a standard perfect form of respectare. Its exact frequency varies by author and period, and Latin authors sometimes alternate with other verbs to express similar ideas of regard, esteem, or reverence.