reverently

[ rev-er-uhnt-lee, rev-ruhnt-lee ]

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.

Other Words From

• non·rev·er·ent·ly adverb
• un·rev·er·ent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of reverently¹

reverent ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

If you grew up as a city kid in a hippie-ish family like I did, compost may have been something you heard spoken about reverently but which was relegated to farm life.

From Washington Post

I’ve spent an embarrassing number of hours looking at famous women close to my age as they reverently tend to their skin and bodies on social media.

From Time

The Confederates reverently buried the remains of their own war dead.

From The Daily Beast

Sen. John McCain spoke reverently of the man he had earlier tweeted was “a great mentor” and “one of the giants.”

From The Daily Beast

Passing out Qurans to Afghan civilians, if done reverently, would work to build trust and restore order.

From The Daily Beast

There is a sign urging quiet, so you approach slowly and reverently, as you might an important tomb.

From The Daily Beast

They all bowed reverently, and were profoundly affected by the supplications of their Christian friend.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he placed it on the table, and very reverently he kissed the palm of Sara Lee's quiet hand.

From Project Gutenberg

The stranger came forward reverently to kneel between the two nuns.

From Project Gutenberg

At the Porte de Laeken, the burgomaster, kneeling reverently, presented the keys of the city in a silver basin.

From Project Gutenberg

The writer came at length to the side of the dead prelate, and bent to reverently kiss the cold gloved hand of the mighty dead.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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