venerate
VEN-er-ayt
/ˈvenəreɪt/
Regard with great respect; revere.
Venerate is a very high level of respect, often reserved for saints, historical figures, or ancient traditions. It is more intense than 'respect.'
The story behind the word. Derived from 'venus' (love, desire). To venerate someone was originally to 'offer love' or worship to them. It shares a root with the name of the goddess Venus.
Word relationships
- revere: Revere and venerate are very close; revere often implies a feeling of awe, while venerate often involves outward acts of respect.
- worship: Worship is for gods; venerate is for highly respected humans or objects.
- despise: Despise is to look down on with contempt, the opposite of looking up with veneration.
Commonly confused with
- deference: Deference is the act of yielding; venerate is the deep feeling of respect.
Word family
- veneration (noun): Great respect; reverence.
- venerable (adjective): Accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age or wisdom.
Collocations
- venerate as a saint
- venerate the memory of
- deeply venerated
- venerate the past
Example sentences
- "Many cultures venerate their ancestors, believing that the spirits of the dead continue to guide the living." History
- "The monks continue to venerate the ancient relics kept within the temple's inner sanctum." Religion
Memory hook
A 'venerable' person is someone you 'venerate' because they are like a 'veteran' of life. Venerate the venerable.
When not to use
Don't use 'venerate' for your friends or peers unless they have done something truly legendary; it's for those 'above' us in some way.
Fun facts
- The word 'venereal' also comes from the same root (Venus), though its meaning has evolved in a very different direction!
Related words
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