reverend

[ rev-er-uhnd, rev-ruhnd ]

adjective

1. (initial capital letter) (used as a title of respect applied or prefixed to the name of a member of the clergy or a religious order):

   Reverend Timothy Cranshaw; Reverend Mother.

2. worthy to be revered; entitled to reverence.
3. pertaining to or characteristic of the clergy.

noun

1. Informal. a member of the clergy.

Reverend

¹

/ ˈrɛvərənd /

adjective

1. a title of respect for a clergyman AbbreviationsRev.Revd See also Very Reverend Right Reverend Most Reverend

reverend

²

/ ˈrɛvərənd /

adjective

1. worthy of reverence
2. relating to or designating a clergyman or the clergy

noun

1. informal.
   a clergyman

Usage

Reverend with a surname alone ( Reverend Smith ), as a term of address ( ``Yes, Reverend'' ), or in the salutation of a letter ( Dear Rev. Mr Smith ) are all generally considered to be wrong usage. Preferred are ( the ) Reverend John Smith or Reverend Mr Smith and Dear Mr Smith

Other Words From

• rever·end·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reverend¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin reverendus worthy of being revered, gerund of reverērī to revere ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of reverend¹

C15: from Latin reverendus fit to be revered; see revere

Example Sentences

While faith is important to Reverend Keith, he says he does not enforce it on the children.

From BBC

At Mt Lebanon church, Reverend Leach is ensuring everyone understands the urgency of voting.

From BBC

Oasis founder the Reverend Steve Chalke said it was "very secure but hugely different", providing children with small class sizes and even one-to-one learning.

From BBC

Reverend William Barber — a Black minister writing about white poverty –- has been heroically trying to address this exclusion –- but I don’t think we’re hearing it enough in Harris’ speeches.

From Salon

Ms Watson - also known as Reverend Captain Katie Watson - joined the army when she was 18 and served in Bosnia, Croatia and Northern Ireland.

From BBC