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# with the greatest respect

phrase (sentence opener, adverbial); also «with (all) due respect», «with respect»

«with the greatest respect» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, formal, polite) a softener said just before you disagree with someone or tell them they are wrong; it often means «I think you are mistaken» or even «I think that is nonsense».
2. (literal) with very great respect, showing that you honour or admire someone a lot.

### In the lessons

Said in meetings, debates, interviews, parliament, letters and arguments to sound polite while disagreeing, often with someone more important. The «respect» is mostly a cushion: the stronger the words of respect, the stronger the disagreement that follows. Register: formal and polite; very common in the UK (politicians, judges, TV interviews), used everywhere. Sometimes said sarcastically in rough arguments to mean the opposite.

### Examples

- With the greatest respect, Minister, that is not what the figures show.
- Debate club: «With the greatest respect to my opponent, his argument does not add up.»
- Letter: With the greatest respect, we cannot accept your offer.
- Interview: «With the greatest respect, you haven't answered my question.»
- Chat: «With the greatest respect, mate, your plan is rubbish.»
- Courtroom: «With the greatest respect, my lord, the witness was not there.»
- Literal: The old soldier was buried with the greatest respect.
- Teacher to pupil: «With the greatest respect, Jack, that answer is not even close.»
- News: The chairman said, with the greatest respect to the fans, the club must cut costs.

### Note

Trap: it usually does NOT mean the speaker respects your idea; it warns that a disagreement is coming, and in Britain it can sound cold or even rude. If you start with it and then agree, it sounds strange. The tone decides: said with a sigh it means «you are wrong»; at a funeral or ceremony it is literal. Plain words it stands for: «I disagree» or «you are wrong». Variants: «with all due respect», «with respect»; not «with the most greatest respect».