Gratitude vs. Respect — What's the Difference?

An emotion prompting a return of kindness.

Consideration for feelings, wishes, or rights of others.

Feeling of thankfulness.

Admiration for someone’s abilities.

Appreciation for help or gifts.

Recognition of importance or value.

A positive response to generosity.

Esteem due to qualities or achievements.

Recognition of other's kindness.

An act of giving special attention.

Gratitude, thankfulness, or gratefulness, from the Latin word gratus "pleasing, thankful", is a feeling of appreciation felt by and/or similar positive response shown by the recipient of kindness, gifts, help, favors, or other types of generosity, to the giver of said gifts.The experience of gratitude has historically been a focus of several world religions. It has also been a topic of interest to ancient, medieval and modern philosophers, and continues to engage contemporary philosophers.The systematic study of gratitude within psychology began in the year 1998 when Martin Seligman introduced a new branch of psychology: positive psychology.

Respect, also called esteem, is a positive feeling or action shown towards someone or something considered important or held in high esteem or regard. It conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities.

The state of being grateful; thankfulness.

A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem

The state of being grateful.

The state of being regarded with honor or esteem

The state of being grateful; warm and friendly feeling toward a benefactor; kindness awakened by a favor received; thankfulness.

Consideration or appreciation

A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation;

Due regard for something considered important or authoritative

A particular aspect, feature, or detail

Usage Problem Relation; reference. See Usage Note at regard.

To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem or admire

To avoid interfering with or intruding upon

To avoid violating

To relate or refer to; concern

(uncountable) an attitude of consideration or high regard

(uncountable) good opinion, honor, or admiration

Polite greetings, often offered as condolences after a death.

(countable) a particular aspect, feature or detail of something

Good will; favor

To have respect for.

To have regard for something, to observe a custom, practice, rule or right.

To abide by an agreement.

To take notice of; to regard as worthy of special consideration; to heed.

To relate to; to be concerned with.

(obsolete) To regard; to consider; to deem.

(obsolete) To look toward; to face.

(Jamaica) hello, hi

To consider worthy of esteem; to regard with honor.

To look toward; to front upon or toward.

To regard; to consider; to deem.

To have regard to; to have reference to; to relate to; as, the treaty particularly respects our commerce.

The act of noticing with attention; the giving particular consideration to; hence, care; caution.

Esteem; regard; consideration; honor.

An expression of respect of deference; regards; as, to send one's respects to another.

Reputation; repute.

Particular; point regarded; point of view; as, in this respect; in any respect; in all respects.

Relation; reference; regard.

Consideration; motive; interest.

(usually preceded by `in') a detail or point;

The condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded);

An attitude of admiration or esteem;

A courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard;

Behavior intended to please your parents;

A feeling of friendship and esteem;

Courteous regard for people's feelings;

Regard highly; think much of;

Show respect towards;

Yes, respect is often earned through consistent demonstration of admirable qualities or accomplishments.

Respect is shown through formal gestures, deference to someone’s position, and honoring their achievements or qualities.

Gratitude is commonly expressed through saying "thank you," returning favors, or giving gifts.

Gratitude strengthens personal bonds by fostering positive interactions, while respect helps maintain social order and can influence professional relationships.

Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for benefits or kindness received.

While a person can demand respect, it is more authentically earned and given voluntarily based on one’s actions or reputation.

While not required, gratitude often prompts acts of reciprocation or returning kindness.

Yes, respect can increase or decrease based on changes in one's actions, achievements, or character.

Respect is admiration or esteem given to someone because of their qualities, abilities, or achievements.

Cultural norms can significantly shape how both gratitude and respect are expressed and perceived in different societies.

Gratitude is primarily an emotional response to kindness or receiving benefits.

No, one can feel both gratitude and respect for someone, but each arises from different reasons.

Gratitude is important for maintaining personal relationships and promoting a positive and cooperative social environment.