irreverent
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of irreverent
1485–95; < Latin irreverent- (stem of irreverēns ) disrespectful. See ir- 2, reverent
Explanation
If you are irreverent, you don’t show respect toward something, like your irreverent singing of your school's alma mater in a funny voice. To be irreverent doesn’t necessarily mean you don't like something; it’s just that you don’t display the same honor for it that other people do. You might have a more light-hearted approach, poking fun of the way other people seem to almost blindly show their devotion. For example, when people at the Louvre are standing in hushed awe in front of the "Mona Lisa" it would be irreverent to holler "What's so great about that?"
Vocabulary lists containing irreverent
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 3
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Irreverent, soulful and self-assured, Laferte nails every note on “Seis” with style and originality.
From Washington Post • Oct. 5, 2021
Irreverent, weird, and affectionate, Doom Patrol is the best new DC Comics adaptation you can watch right now.
From The Verge • Dec. 17, 2020
Irreverent and delightfully fast-talking in an interview, Evison’s clearly one of those lucky people who’s finally found a way to make a living at what he loves.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2018
Irreverent humor about Karl's patriarchal status — "I'm biblical," he proclaims, in Elliott's deep, dry, crackling tones — gives way to an avalanche of secrets and lies.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2015
Should I be likely to say anything Irreverent?
From Snake and Sword A Novel by Wren, Percival Christopher
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
