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

Related Words

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