Blah Blah Blah "Respectively"

AH I see, thanks for clearing that up. Do any of you actually say "respectfully" when you speak in this context?

This is how I understand the meaning of the word as well. The dictionary says 1. in precisely the order given; sequentially. 2. (of two or more things, with reference to two or more things previously mentioned) referring or applying to in a parallel or sequential way: Joe and Bob escorted Betty and Alice, respectively.

Not in my case because "respectfully" means to act with or show "respect." For example, "I speak to my parents respectfully." In this case, the word "respectfully" describes the manner I talk to my parents. Based on my observation, the words "respectively" and "respectfully" have very different usage or function in a sentence. I think they are sometimes confusing because of the similarities in sounds or pronunciation.

But why give words respect? they are just words but I sort of understand now.

It's not so much the words but the objects or people who are given the respect so to speak. In the case of introductions, " This is Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mr. And Mrs. Cranberry, and Mr. and Mrs. Holmes" respectfully... meaning separate yet together... lol!