<li>The respective motion of the tectonic plates.</li>
<li>The relative motion of the tectonic plates.</li>
</ol>
<p>Question : Whats the difference?</p>
<p>respective means: individually
relative means: in relation to each other</p>
<p>“Respective” is sort of like “individual.” You’re considering the individual movements of the tectonic plates.</p>
<p>“Relative” is more comparative. When discussing the relative motion of the tectonic plates, you have to consider the motion of all tectonic plates and compare their respective motions to one another.</p>
<p>After the party, each person went to his or her respective home. </p>
<p>Right, as someone said respective is individual, while relative has to do in relation to something else. rockermcr and meadow got it perfectly</p>
<p>Thanks for the clear explanations guys.</p>