reverent
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reverent
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Latin reverent- (stem of reverēns ), present participle of reverērī “to fear, have reverence”; see revere 1, -ent
Explanation
When you have great awe and respect for someone or something, and you show it by respectfully worshiping that person, thing, deity, or musical group, you are being reverent. Originally, the word reverent was used only in religious contexts, but now it works when people are just acting like they’re in a religious setting (even if the object of their worship is a sports star or political pundit). People are occasionally reverent in regard to antique cars, supermodels, spelling bee champions and giant TV screens. Reverent is related to the verb revere, which is also about having or showing respect for someone or something.
Vocabulary lists containing reverent
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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The Great Gatsby
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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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.
Reverent and irreverent in equal measure, they are redefining photography and ensuring its continual efflorescence.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2015
Reverent gayety at Augsburg, Bavarian city on the River Lech, last week celebrated the 400th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession.
From Time Magazine Archive
And the spirit of the Y.M.C.A. demanded the addition of the twelfth: "a Scout is Reverent."
From Time Magazine Archive
Reverent Hollywood moguls are now combing through the Scriptures for other projects with religious themes.
From Time Magazine Archive
Reverent and wide-eyed with curiosity, the rest tiptoed into Lady Constance’s bedchamber.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
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.
