respektera

Respektera is a Swedish verb meaning to show respect for someone or something, or to accord due regard to rules, norms, or privacy. It is transitive and commonly used with a direct object, as in respektera någon eller något. The sense can cover both interpersonal esteem and the compliance side of behavior, for example respektera andra, respektera sekretess, or respektera lagen. In some contexts, especially when referring to rules or boundaries, respektera conveys “observe” or “adhere to.”

Etymology and form: Respektera derives from French respecter, which in turn comes from Latin respectus. It is a regular -era verb in Swedish. Typical conjugations include jag respekterar, du respekterar, han/hon respekterar (present tense); vi/ni respekterar; preterite respekterade; supine respekterat; past participle respekterad. The related noun is respekt (respect).

Usage and nuance: In everyday language, respektera emphasizes consideration, dignity, and regard for others’ rights or opinions. When referring to laws, norms, or privacy, it often means to observe or comply with them rather than merely to esteem. Common collocations include respektera människors åsikter, respektera sekretess, and respektera lagen. Synonyms such as hedra or uppskatta convey esteem, while förakta or ignorera express negation. In public discourse, the verb appears in contexts ranging from education and workplaces to media and politics, reflecting a social expectation to treat others and institutional boundaries with due regard.