respected

Respected is an adjective used to describe a person, institution, idea, or object that is held in high regard by others. It signals that the subject has earned esteem through actions such as honesty, competence, fairness, or longevity. The term derives from respect, from Latin respectus, with senses including consideration and esteem; in English it has been in common use since the medieval period. The condition of being respected is inherently subjective and varies across communities and over time.

In usage, "respected" often collocates with professions or roles (a respected journalist, a respected elder) or with organizations (a respected university). It connotes credibility and trust, rather than merely obedience or popularity. Respect can be gained or lost as a result of behavior, policy decisions, or changes in public perception.

Culturally, respect is a social construct shaped by norms, ethics, and power dynamics; what earns respect in one culture may be different elsewhere. Because it reflects opinion, labeling someone or something as respected should consider context and evidence.

See also: respected vs respectful: "respected" describes the state of being held in esteem; "respectful" describes exhibiting consideration toward others.