reverence

[ rev-er-uhns, rev-ruhns ]
/ ˈrɛv ər əns, ˈrɛv rəns /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR reverence ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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).

verb (used with object), rev·er·enced, rev·er·enc·ing.

to regard or treat with reverence; venerate: One should reverence God and His laws.

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Origin of reverence

1250–1300; Middle English < Latin reverentia respect, fear, awe. See revere1, -ence

OTHER WORDS FROM reverence

rev·er·enc·er, nounnon·rev·er·ence, nounself-rev·er·ence, nounun·rev·er·enced, adjective

Words nearby reverence

reverberator, reverberatory, reverberatory furnace, revere, revere, paul, reverence, reverend, reverend mother, reverent, reverential, reverie
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to reverence

admiration, veneration, piety, adoration, loyalty, esteem, deference, respect, awe, devotion, obeisance, devoutness, fealty, love, homage, religiousness, worship, approbation, apotheosis, praise

Example sentences from the Web for reverence

British Dictionary definitions for reverence (1 of 2)

reverence
/ (ˈrɛvərəns) /

noun

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

verb

(tr) to revere or venerate

Derived forms of reverence

reverencer, noun

British Dictionary definitions for reverence (2 of 2)

Reverence
/ (ˈrɛvərəns) /

noun

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