"worthy of esteem," 1580s; see respect (v.) + -able. Sense of "having an honest reputation" is from 1755. That of "occupying a fairly good position in society" is c. 1800. Related: Respectably.
a respectable woman
all respectable companies give guarantees
a respectable sum
resounding
resource
resourceful
respect
respectability
respectable
respectful
respective
respectively
respects
respiration
