reverence

[rev-er-uhns, rev-ruhns]

noun

1. a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration.

   Synonyms: esteem, honor
   Antonyms: contempt

2. the outward manifestation of this feeling.

   to pay reverence.

3. a gesture indicative of deep respect; an obeisance, bow, or curtsy.

4. the state of being revered, or treated with respect tinged with awe.

5. (initial capital letter),  a title used in addressing or mentioning a member of the clergy (usually preceded by your orhis ).

verb (used with object)

reverenced, reverencing 

1. to regard or treat with reverence; venerate.

   One should reverence God and His laws.

   Synonyms: adore, honor, revere

reverence

¹

/ ˈrɛvərəns /

noun

1. a feeling or attitude of profound respect, usually reserved for the sacred or divine; devoted veneration

2. an outward manifestation of this feeling, esp a bow or act of obeisance

3. the state of being revered or commanding profound respect

4. archaic,  a form of apology for using an obscene or taboo expression

verb

1. (tr) to revere or venerate

Reverence

²

/ ˈrɛvərəns /

noun

1. (preceded by Your or His ) a title sometimes used to address or refer to a Roman Catholic priest

Other Word Forms

• reverencer noun
• nonreverence noun
• self-reverence noun
• unreverenced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reverence¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin reverentia “respect, fear, awe”; equivalent to revere ¹ + -ence

Example Sentences

For the league itself, which has shown reverence for being granted the opportunity to play in a historic institution such as Croke Park.

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Oriol has an instantly recognizable style that shows reverence for his subject and a deep connection to the environment.

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Routine reverence for America’s high-tech arsenal of air power has remained in sync with the assumption that, in the hands of Uncle Sam, the world’s greatest aerospace technologies would be used for the greatest good.

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For Oliphant, every part of the cartoon — subject, style and structure — is important, and it’s that reverence for attentive construction that’s been so rapidly phased out.

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Then, after a 20-year detour into essays - that split public opinion and earned her both reverence and vilification - and a second novel, Roy has returned with her first memoir.

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Related Words

• admiration 
• adoration 
• awe 
• deference 
• devotion 
• esteem 
• loyalty 
• piety 
• respect 
• veneration