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

Now, the reverend implored his congregation: “Someone say mission possible.”

From BBC

Roles across his long, busy career have included reverend, inspector, captain, sergeant, doctor, coach, sheriff, pastor, mayor, deacon and, notably, Adm.

From Los Angeles Times

When her father, who is a reverend, finds the glass at home, Mary’s older brother Matt takes the rap and agrees to return it to the diner and apologize.

From Los Angeles Times

“We already knew, reverend,” one church mother told him.

From Seattle Times

The reverend last week launched an appeal for donations on GoFundMe to try to raise money that can be used to stabilize the area and, ideally, help with the long-term needs of the aging chapel.

From Los Angeles Times