respektvoll

Respektvoll is a German adjective meaning "full of respect" or "showing respect." It describes behavior, speech, or attitudes that treat others with regard and consideration.

Etymology and usage: The word is formed from Respekt (respect) plus the suffix -voll (full of). The noun Respekt is borrowed into German from the English or French word respect, ultimately tracing back to the Latin respectus. Respektvoll has been part of the German lexicon since the early modern period and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to denote a respectful manner.

Usage: It is used to describe interactions and attitudes: "eine respektvolle Kommunikation" (a respectful form of communication), "ein respektvoller Umgang" (a respectful conduct), or "in einem respektvollen Ton sprechen" (to speak in a respectful tone). It can modify nouns (attributive) such as "respektvolle Haltung" (a respectful attitude) and can occur predicatively ("Er ist respektvoll"). It also functions adverbially in some contexts, e.g., "Sie spricht respektvoll" or "in respektvollem Ton."

Related terms and contrasts: Respektlos (disrespectful) is the opposite. Related concepts include Höflichkeit (politeness), Rücksicht (consideration), and Wertschätzung (appreciation).

Cultural note: In German-speaking cultures, a respectful tone is valued in schools, workplaces, and media discourse, though norms vary by setting and formality.