reverence

[ rev-er-uhns, rev-ruhns ]

noun

1. a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration.

   Synonyms: esteem, honor

   Antonyms: contempt

2. the outward manifestation of this feeling:

   to pay reverence.

3. a gesture indicative of deep respect; an obeisance, bow, or curtsy.
4. the state of being revered, or treated with respect tinged with awe.
5. (initial capital letter) a title used in addressing or mentioning a member of the clergy (usually preceded by your or his ).

verb (used with object)

, rev·er·enced, rev·er·enc·ing.

1. to regard or treat with reverence; venerate:

   One should reverence God and His laws.

   Synonyms: adore, honor, revere

Reverence

¹

/ ˈrɛvərəns /

noun

1. (preceded by Your or His ) a title sometimes used to address or refer to a Roman Catholic priest

reverence

²

/ ˈrɛvərəns /

noun

1. a feeling or attitude of profound respect, usually reserved for the sacred or divine; devoted veneration
2. an outward manifestation of this feeling, esp a bow or act of obeisance
3. the state of being revered or commanding profound respect
4. saving your reverence archaic.
   a form of apology for using an obscene or taboo expression

verb

1. tr to revere or venerate

Derived Forms

• ˈreverencer, noun

Other Words From

• rever·enc·er noun
• non·rever·ence noun
• self-rever·ence noun
• un·rever·enced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reverence¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin reverentia “respect, fear, awe”; equivalent to revere ¹ + -ence

Example Sentences

The reverence that people have around me means that the equality of a band that comes up out of school together — can shout at each other and even punch each other, then the next day you’re back and everything’s fine — you can’t replicate that.

From Los Angeles Times

Today we have lost much of this reverence for Halloween, yet the holiday continues to thrive.

From Los Angeles Times

And in the last year alone, around 1,000 fans — Japanese and foreign — have visited the shop to see all of this for themselves, some with religious reverence and others with fizzy excitement.

From Los Angeles Times

Students spend hours toiling over dead bodies with gratitude and reverence for the donation that allows them to practice and learn about human anatomy in their journey to become healers.

From Salon

“Just the reverence I have for the person,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admiration
• adoration
• awe
• deference
• devotion
• esteem
• loyalty
• piety
• respect
• veneration