irreverence

[ ih-rev-er-uhns ]

noun

1. the quality of being irreverent; lack of reverence or respect.
2. an irreverent act or statement.
3. the condition of not being reverenced, venerated, respected, etc.

irreverence

/ ɪˈrɛvərəns; ɪˈrɛvrəns /

noun

1. lack of due respect or veneration; disrespect
2. a disrespectful remark or act

Word History and Origins

Origin of irreverence¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English word from Latin word irreverentia. See ir- ², reverence

Example Sentences

A joke is a surprise, and irreverence is kind of a shortcut to that surprise.

From Los Angeles Times

People might be surprised you’re so close with your faith given the irreverence of your comedy.

From Los Angeles Times

Looking back, though, Kent thinks that such irreverence was already baked into how she first promoted the film herself.

From Los Angeles Times

With their mix of good-times irreverence and liberationist politics — partying for their rights — Kneecap captures the attitude of people who want to be taken seriously without having to behave entirely seriously all of the time.

From Los Angeles Times

But I think that’s, going back to Truman, why he was such a breath of fresh air, that irreverence and the silliness, the games, the outrageousness of him.

From Los Angeles Times