What is respect?

We explain what respect is, examples and phrases about this consideration. In addition, their synonyms and relationship with tolerance.

1. What is respect?

When we refer to respect, we do it to a form of consideration and assessment that can be had towards a person , an idea or an institution, and that can commonly consist of one or more of the following behaviors:

• Follow certain protocol or conduct codes.
• Show tolerance as long as there is no direct affront.
• Pay special attention or give preference in communication.
• Adhere to certain ethical or moral guidelines.
• Value the interests of others.

Among people it is usually conditioned on reciprocity, that is, it must be given to each other . On the other hand, when it comes to ideas or institutions, it is possible that such it is the product of the possibility of a sanction or a veneration for customs and traditions .

In this way, it  is linked to ethical and moral, but also social and legal aspects , which determine the way of living that we emphasize ourselves to human beings . A violation of said code of conduct is generally considered disrespectful and may be greater or lesser according to the considerations of the case, with proportional consequences.

It is a notion of importance in legal, philosophical and anthropological matters, which assumes various forms and mechanisms of communication , but whose ultimate goal is generally to maintain as peaceful and cordial coexistence among human beings. Its opposite is irreverance, rudeness or violence.

2. Examples of respect

Some examples of situations that illustrate a relationship of it may be:

• When the teacher enters the classroom, the students shut up and stand up.
• Children should pay attention when their parents or representatives speak.
• In Eastern cultures, the elderly and the elderly are revered, their opinions heard and their priorities addressed.
• The neighbors in a building adhere to a code of norms that guarantees mutual respect and thus avoid confrontations: until what time to play music, how to handle garbage, etc.
• When the traffic law is respected, it is accepted to drive in a certain way, common to all the inhabitants of the country.
• Respect for nature can be given to the extent that we do not dirty landscapes, we do not violate wildlife more than we should and do not hunt or cut down indiscriminately.
• Respect for beliefs is when we do not interfere in the rites and spiritual manifestations of third parties, nor do we prevent them from carrying them out because they are different from ours.
• Respect for life implies not killing.

3. Phrases

Some phrases and sayings about it are the following:

• Respect if you want to be respected.
• Politeness, does not remove the brave.
• There can be no respect for others if they lack humility.
• Knowledge will give you power, but character will give you respect.
• Without highness of ideas, let no one expect common respect.
• There is no greater loss than respect for oneself.
• Respect for ourselves will guide our morale; Respect for others will guide our ways.
• You will honor your father and mother.
• Respect yourself just as you want others to do.

4. Synonyms

Some synonyms are admiration, esteem, devotion, adoration, veneration, compliance, worship, idolatry, fervor, decorum, courtesy, protocol , care, respect, honor, gaze, honor, adherence, acceptance, attention, obedience, submission, reverence , consideration, nobility, dignity , prudence and honorability.

5. Respect and tolerance

Respect and tolerance are closely linked concepts. Tolerating another person implies respecting it , that is, appeasing the reactions that their behavior or ideas may generate in us, allowing their point of view and accepting possible dissent or difference.

This relationship between respecting and tolerating is often emphasized in polarized or social, political, religious or ethnic confrontational environments, to encourage a more harmonious coexistence between people who adhere to different moral, social or spiritual codes and thus avoid resorting to violence. It is for the free expression of the ideas of others, for example, whether or not they agree with them, is a fundamental and vital feature of democracy and civilized life.