earn respect
Gain admiration
Use `earn respect` when someone’s actions have proven they deserve your admiration and trust.
In 15 Seconds
- Building a good reputation through hard work and consistent actions.
- A process of proving your worth to others over time.
- The opposite of demanding attention or being given unearned status.
Meaning
To earn respect means you've done something good or worked hard enough that people now admire you. It is not something you can just ask for; you have to prove you deserve it through your actions.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a new manager
She really earned our respect by working late with the team every night.
She gained our admiration by working late with the team.
Discussing a sports rival
He might have lost the match, but he earned the respect of the fans.
He gained the fans' admiration despite losing.
Texting a friend about a tough workout
That gym session was brutal, but I think I finally earned the coach's respect!
The workout was hard, but I think the coach admires my effort now.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply rooted in the Western 'work ethic' where status is achieved through individual merit rather than social class. It became a central theme in 20th-century sports and business culture, emphasizing that even an underdog can become a hero through character. In modern slang, you might hear 'Mad respect' or 'Props' as shorter, informal ways to acknowledge this earned status.
The 'Hard' Connection
You will often see the word 'hard' used with this phrase, like 'hard-earned respect'. It emphasizes that the person didn't get it easily.
Don't 'Demand' It
In English culture, saying 'I demand respect' usually makes people respect you less. It's better to say you want to 'earn' it.
In 15 Seconds
- Building a good reputation through hard work and consistent actions.
- A process of proving your worth to others over time.
- The opposite of demanding attention or being given unearned status.
What It Means
Think of earn respect like a bank account for your reputation. You cannot just walk in and demand a high balance. You have to deposit hard work, kindness, or skill over time. When you earn respect, people look at you and think, "Wow, they really know what they are doing." It is about moving from being a stranger or a beginner to someone people truly value. It is the difference between people listening because they have to and listening because they want to.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about the process of building a good name. It usually follows a period of effort. You can say someone earned my respect after they helped you during a tough time. It often pairs with adverbs like hard-earned or slowly. You can also talk about trying to earn respect in a new environment. Just remember, it is a journey, not a single event. It is like slow-cooking a stew; you cannot rush the flavor.
When To Use It
Use it in your career when a new boss finally trusts your work. Use it in sports when a rival player shakes your hand after a hard game. It is perfect for talking about teachers, leaders, or even friends who proved they are reliable. You might use it in a toast at a wedding or a graduation speech. It works well when you want to sound sincere and appreciative. It is a high compliment, so use it when you really mean it.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small, shallow things. You do not earn respect for buying a cool pair of shoes. That is just having good taste. Avoid using it if someone is just doing their basic job without any extra heart. Also, do not use it if someone is being a bully to get their way. That is fear, not respect. If you use it too lightly, it loses its power. It is a heavy-duty phrase, so save it for the big stuff.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, there is a big focus on the "self-made" person. We love stories where someone starts with nothing and works their way up. Because of this, earning respect is seen as more valuable than being born into a high status. It is tied to the idea of meritocracy. In the US and UK, people often say, "Respect is earned, not given." This means nobody gets a free pass just because of their title. You have to show up and do the work.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say they want to gain respect or win respect. These are very similar, but earn feels a bit more like hard work. You might also hear command respect. This is slightly different; it describes someone so impressive that respect happens naturally. If you lose it, you have to re-earn respect, which is twice as hard! It is like trying to un-burn a piece of toast—it takes a lot of scraping.
Usage Notes
This is a highly versatile collocation. It works in almost any register, though it carries a weight of sincerity. Avoid using it for trivial achievements to maintain its impact.
The 'Hard' Connection
You will often see the word 'hard' used with this phrase, like 'hard-earned respect'. It emphasizes that the person didn't get it easily.
Don't 'Demand' It
In English culture, saying 'I demand respect' usually makes people respect you less. It's better to say you want to 'earn' it.
The 'Mad' Respect
In very casual youth culture, people say 'Mad respect for that!' This is a slang way of saying they are very impressed by what you did.
Examples
6She really earned our respect by working late with the team every night.
She gained our admiration by working late with the team.
Shows respect gained through shared struggle and leadership.
He might have lost the match, but he earned the respect of the fans.
He gained the fans' admiration despite losing.
Respect can be earned even in defeat if you play with heart.
That gym session was brutal, but I think I finally earned the coach's respect!
The workout was hard, but I think the coach admires my effort now.
Informal use showing personal achievement.
My cat only earned my respect after she successfully defended the kitchen from a moth.
I only admired my cat after she caught a moth.
Using a serious phrase for a silly situation for comedic effect.
You don't need to be the loudest in the room to earn respect.
You don't have to be loud to get people to admire you.
Sincere advice about character.
Your ability to handle the crisis earned the respect of the entire board.
The board admires how you handled the crisis.
High-level professional praise.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a hardworking colleague.
By always being honest, David has ___ the respect of everyone in the office.
Respect is something you 'earn' through consistent behavior like honesty.
Complete the common saying.
In this team, respect is ___ , not given.
This is a very common English idiom meaning you must prove yourself.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Earn Respect'
Used with friends or about pets.
My dog earned my respect today.
Standard everyday usage.
He earned his respect through hard work.
Used in speeches or business.
The diplomat earned the respect of the nation.
Where to Earn Respect
At the Office
Meeting a deadline under pressure.
In Sports
Playing fairly against a tough opponent.
In Friendships
Being there when someone is in trouble.
In the Community
Volunteering for a local cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means you have acted in a way that makes others admire or value you. For example, He earned my respect by being honest even when it was difficult.
Yes, gain respect is very similar. However, earn sounds like you worked harder for it, while gain is a bit more general.
It is neutral. You can use it with your best friend or in a professional business meeting without any issues.
Yes! We often talk about earning self-respect. This means doing things that make you feel proud of yourself.
Both are correct. Win respect sounds like a competition or a specific moment, while earn respect sounds like a long-term process.
The opposite is losing respect. If you do something mean or dishonest, people will lose respect for you.
You could say, The teacher earned the respect of the students by listening to their ideas.
Usually, yes. It implies that the admiration was a result of your character or actions over time.
Absolutely. You can say, The local fire department has earned the respect of the whole town.
Yes, if someone is praising you, they might just say You've earned it! to mean you deserve the respect or reward you are getting.
Related Phrases
Command respect
To have a presence that naturally makes people admire you.
Lose respect
To do something that causes people to stop admiring you.
Pay your dues
To work hard in a low-level position to eventually earn respect and success.
Look up to someone
To admire and respect someone as a role model.
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