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

Related Words

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