reverence

American  

[rev-er-uhns, rev-ruhns] / ˈrɛv ər əns, ˈrɛv rəns /

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 ).

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

1. (tr) to revere or venerate

Reverence ² British  

/ ˈrɛvərəns /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• nonreverence noun
• reverencer noun
• self-reverence noun
• unreverenced adjective

Etymology

Origin of reverence

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin reverentia “respect, fear, awe”; equivalent to revere ¹ + -ence

Example Sentences

Krusek says what makes the show compelling “is the spirit of the videos, just the sense of joyousness and benevolence that they communicate, and a real sense of reverence for the art and the artists.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

I don’t share their reverence for the institution, nor does most of the public.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Individuals all over the country were fired from their jobs, shunned, ostracized and run out of town for insufficient reverence for Kirk on social media.

From Salon • Mar. 12, 2026

The Box describes Cook as a "cultural chronicler" who painted marginalised people and recorded their lives with joy, kindness and reverence.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

“Nuwa’s tear,” he said with reverence, “or a Luminous Stone That Lights the Night.”

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin

Related Words

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