reverential

[ rev-uh-ren-shuhl ]

adjective

1. of the nature of or characterized by reverence; reverent:

   reverential awe.

reverential

/ ˌrɛvəˈrɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. resulting from or showing reverence

   a pilgrimage is a reverential act, performed by reverent people

Derived Forms

• ˌreverˈentially, adverb

Other Words From

• rev·er·en·ti·al·i·ty [rev-, uh, -ren-shee-, al, -i-tee], rever·ential·ness noun
• rever·ential·ly adverb
• nonrev·er·ential adjective
• nonrev·er·ential·ly adverb
• unrev·er·ential adjective
• unrev·er·ential·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of reverential¹

First recorded in 1545–55; reverent + -ial

Example Sentences

We listened in rapt, reverential awe, cozied by Vienna’s velvet strings, velvet winds and velvet brass woven together in a perfect tapestry of lush sonic textures and instrumental colors.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s less reverential and more instinctual, despite its reliance on historical fact.

From Los Angeles Times

We met at Le Bernardin — Grey’s choice — and for two hours they shared stories, Redmayne reverential and thoughtful, Grey puckish and supportive.

From New York Times

“But on the way up the ramp to our clubhouse, after realizing that we had finally beat the Yankees in the World Series, we were more reverential than boisterous,” Erskine said.

From Los Angeles Times

His Sibelius is reverential, his Stravinsky without bite.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admiring
• deferential
• polite
• solemn
• worshipful