Respect: A Word with Two Meanings

We throw around the word “respect” like it has a universal definition, but does it?

For some, respect means treating others as human beings—basic decency, kindness, and fairness. For others, respect is about authority—deference, obedience, and submission.

The problem? These definitions clash. When someone accustomed to authority says, “If you don’t respect me, I won’t respect you,” they might actually mean, “If you don’t treat me as superior, I won’t treat you as an equal.”

This isn’t fairness. It’s power. And it’s why so many conflicts arise when we assume we’re speaking the same language.

So next time “respect” enters the conversation, ask yourself—what does it actually mean here?