reverence
[rev-er-uh ns, rev-ruh ns]
- a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration.
- the outward manifestation of this feeling: to pay reverence.
- a gesture indicative of deep respect; an obeisance, bow, or curtsy.
- the state of being revered, or treated with respect tinged with awe.
- (initial capital letter) a title used in addressing or mentioning a member of the clergy (usually preceded by your or his).
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- to regard or treat with reverence; venerate: One should reverence God and His laws.
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Origin of reverence
Synonyms
See more synonyms for reverence on Thesaurus.com1. honor, esteem. 6. revere, honor, adore.
Antonyms
1. contempt.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for reverence
Contemporary Examples
They included the officers who had turned their backs on the Jumbotron, but there now was only reverence in their ranks.
Labor Day is always a day that blends celebration with reverence.
Brewers and legal experts speak of him in hushed tones, with equal parts irritation and reverence.
Lincoln was just wrong to hope that “reverence for the laws” would become our “political religion.”
I get the reverence for tradition that defines a place like Ole Miss.
Historical Examples
“His reverence is taking his after-dinner nap and may not be disturbed,” said the man.
The Armourer's PrenticesCharlotte M. Yonge
He drew off: and then ran into the highest professions of reverence and affection for you.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
It was to her the revelation of a heart, and she saw with reverence.
Weighed and WantingGeorge MacDonald
As for his marvellous power, I shall bless it and reverence it all my life.
The Bacillus of BeautyHarriet Stark
To reverence in church, and to guarded language, he also exhorted him.
Cameos from English History, from Rollo to Edward IICharlotte Mary Yonge
reverence
- a feeling or attitude of profound respect, usually reserved for the sacred or divine; devoted veneration
- an outward manifestation of this feeling, esp a bow or act of obeisance
- the state of being revered or commanding profound respect
- saving your reverence archaic a form of apology for using an obscene or taboo expression
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- (tr) to revere or venerate
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Reverence
- (preceded by Your or His) a title sometimes used to address or refer to a Roman Catholic priest
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for reverence
n.
late 13c., from Old French reverence "respect, awe," from Latin reverentia "awe, respect," from revereri "to stand in awe of, respect, honor, fear, be afraid of; revere," from re-, intensive prefix (see re-), + vereri "stand in awe of, fear," from PIE *wer- "to be or become aware of, perceive, watch out for" (cf. Old English wær "aware, cautious;" see wary).
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v.
late 14c., "treat with respect, honor; venerate, pay pious homage to; esteem, value; bow to (someone); do honor to," from reverence (n.). Related: Reverenced; reverencing.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper