We explain what respect is, examples and phrases about this consideration. Also, its synonyms and relation to tolerance.
What is respect?
When we refer to respect, we do it to a form of consideration and appreciation that can be had towards a person, an idea or an institution, and that commonly may consist of one or more of the following behaviors:
- Abide by certain codes of protocol or conduct.
- 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.
Respect between people is usually conditioned on reciprocity, that is, it is something that must be given mutually. On the other hand, when it comes to ideas or institutions, it is possible that such respect is the product of the possibility of a sanction or of a veneration for customs and traditions.
In this way, respect is linked to ethical and moral, but also social and legal aspects, which determine the way of living that we human beings emphasize ourselves. A violation of said code of conduct is generally considered a lack of respect and may be greater or lesser according to the considerations of the case, bringing with it proportional consequences.
Respect is an important notion in legal, philosophical and anthropological matters, which assumes various forms and mechanisms of communication, but whose ultimate objective is generally to maintain a coexistence among human beings as peaceful and cordial as possible. The opposite of respect is irreverance, rudeness or violence.
Examples of respect
Some examples of situations that illustrate a respectful relationship can be:
- When the teacher enters the classroom, the students are silent and stand up.
- Children should pay attention when their parents or guardians speak.
- In Eastern cultures, the elderly and elderly are revered, their opinions heard, and their priorities heeded.
- 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 occur to the extent that we do not litter the landscapes, we do not violate wildlife more than it should and we do not hunt or log indiscriminately.
- Respect for beliefs occurs 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.
Phrases about respect
Some phrases and sayings about respect are the following:
- Respect if you want to be respected.
- Politeness, does not remove the brave.
- There can be no respect for others if you 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 that of self-respect.
- Respect for ourselves will guide our morals; respect for others will guide our ways.
- You will honor your father and mother.
- Respect yourself just as you want others to do.
Synonyms of respect
Some synonyms for respect are admiration, esteem, devotion, adoration, veneration, compliance, cult, idolatry, fervor, decorum, courtesy, protocol, care, modesty, honor, respect, honor, adhesion, acceptance, attention, obedience, submission, reverence , consideration, nobility, dignity, prudence and honor.
Respect and tolerance
Respect and tolerance are closely related concepts. Tolerating another person implies respecting them, that is, to appease the reactions that their behavior or their ideas may generate in us, allow them their point of view and accept the possible dissent or difference.
This relationship between respecting and tolerating is often emphasized in polarized or confrontational social, political, religious or ethnic environments, to promote a more harmonious coexistence between people who adhere to different moral, social or spiritual codes and thus avoid resorting to violence.
Respect for the free expression of other people’s ideas, for example, whether or not one agrees with them, is a fundamental and vital feature of democracy and civilized life.