revered

American  

[ri-veerd] / rɪˈvɪərd /

adjective

1. held in high regard tinged with awe; venerated.

   Many of our most revered heroes were actually outlaws or rebels, fighting for a cause.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of revere.

Other Word Forms

• unrevered
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of revered

revere ¹ ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

If someone is revered, it means he or she is held in deep respect and devotion. Religious leaders, saints, and martyrs are often considered as revered. Celebrities? Not so much. There's a touch of the other worldly about revered. The origins of revered reveal something about its slightly scary, awesome nature. It comes from the Latin word revereri, meaning "to fear," and the addition of the "re" at the beginning is an expression of intensive force, so the word literally means "to greatly fear." People whom are revered are not necessarily those we feel most comfortable around; we are too busy holding them in awe.

Example Sentences

For a few fleeting days each year, India's often-shunned transgender community is welcomed and revered at a festival that is at once sacred ritual, celebration, and a refuge.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

To adapt a hallowed and revered work of this scope, across decades and generations, brimming with magical realism, was, of course, daunting for the showrunners.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Howe is revered by supporters, but it is understood there is a degree of disappointment at the club with how the season has gone.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

The late ’00s era of “SNL,” stretching into the new decade, is revered as one of the show’s strongest.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

In much the same way, the ancient Greeks revered their athletes and made statues of them in marble.

From "Boy: Tales of a Childhood" by Roald Dahl

Related Words

• admired
• cherished
• dear
• esteemed
• favorite
• hallowed
• loved
• popular
• prized
• respected
• treasured
• venerated
• well-liked