reverence
REV-er-uhns
/ˈrev.ər.əns/
Deep respect, awe, or veneration shown toward someone or something.
Reverence combines deep respect with a sense of wonder or solemnity. It is felt internally but expressed through quiet, respectful behavior.
The story behind the word. Reverence comes from the Latin reverentia, which derives from the verb revereri. The prefix re- acts as an intensive, and vereri means to fear or stand in awe of. Thus, true reverence originally meant a respectful fear or awe in the presence of something immense or divine.
Word relationships
- respect: A broad, everyday term for admiring someone's abilities or qualities, lacking the solemnity or awe of reverence.
- esteem: High regard or respect based on worth or achievements, usually intellectual or professional rather than spiritual.
- irreverence: A lack of proper respect or seriousness, often playful or mocking.
- contempt: The feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving of scorn.
Commonly confused with
- veneration: Reverence is the feeling of deep respect and awe, while veneration is often the active, ritualistic expression of that respect directed toward a specific object or person.
Word family
- reverent (adjective): Showing deep and solemn respect.
- revere (verb): To feel deep respect or admiration for.
Collocations
- deep reverence
- treat with reverence
- show reverence
- hush of reverence
Example sentences
- "A hush fell over the hikers, who looked up at the towering redwoods with quiet reverence." Describing the atmosphere in an ancient forest.
- "The students treated the retired professor with the utmost reverence, listening intently to every word." Showing respect to an esteemed elder.
Memory hook
When you show reverence, you never (re-ver-) make fun of what is sacred. Deep respect and awe.
When not to use
Do not use for casual respect, such as respecting a colleague's work schedule or a simple polite gesture.
Fun facts
- The title 'The Right Reverend' is still used today as a formal style of address for bishops in several Christian denominations.
Related words
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