reverently

American  

[rev-er-uhnt-lee, rev-ruhnt-lee] / ˈrɛv ər ənt li, ˈrɛv rənt li /

adverb

1. in a way that exhibits deep respect or veneration.

   When the Mass finally ended, the urn was reverently placed in the front seat of an old fire truck, which led the long funeral procession up the steep hillside to the cemetery.

   The nun spoke reverently about the need to respect the spiritual beliefs of Native peoples.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unreverently
  adverb
• nonreverently
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of reverently

reverent ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Doing something reverently means doing it in a solemn, respectful way. A restless crowd waiting to see the Pope might sit reverently when he finally arrives. The whole congregation prays reverently together when a minister leads it in prayer. In fact, a church, mosque, or temple is the perfect place to act reverently, but you probably do it in many other places as well. Some fans stand reverently during the national anthem before a baseball game. And if your favorite musician is playing a concert, you might listen reverently, shushing anyone nearby who's talking. The Latin root is revereri, "stand in awe of."

Example Sentences

Reverently Dr. Dett laid a wreath on the tomb, and the Negro pilgrims knelt for a moment in silent prayer.

From Time Magazine Archive

Reverently an official inserted a needle, adjusted the record on an oldtime gramophone.

From Time Magazine Archive

Reverently the financier turned the crackly pages, gravely he viewed an inset miniature of Sir Geoffrey with two ladies.

From Time Magazine Archive

Reverently, always, he rejoices in the angel, his wife.

From Time Magazine Archive

Reverently, he placed the tips of his fingers to his mouth and kissed them in honor of the Paqo.

From "The Ugly One" by Leanne Statland Ellis

Related Words

• admiringly
• affectionately
• earnestly
• fondly
• longingly
• passionately
• respectfully
• thoughtfully
• warmly
• zealously