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• reverence
  reverence

  noun

  a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe; veneration.
• Reverence
  Reverence

  noun

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

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

Explanation

Reverence is a feeling of deep respect or awe — like what you have for a president, a hero, or a favorite football player. Reverence can be a feeling of awe, and it can also describe how you treat someone, particularly when used with the word with. To treat someone "with reverence" is to show them intense respect. Your friends may respect you for your loyalty, though they probably do not bow to you with reverence every day.

Example Sentences

The billionaire Zuk has sought approval from U.S. regulators to acquire the largest stake in Liberty from private-equity firms Stone Point Capital and Reverence Capital Partners, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Reverence is a longer black diamond halfway along Rattlesnake Mountain with a few optional double black diamond features.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Reverence radiates from Alberta Whittle’s textile hanging, floating on high, made from clothes — European, African — owned by her cosmopolitan Barbadian grandfather.

From New York Times • Jun. 23, 2022

He is the author of “Solemn Reverence: The Separation of Church and State in American Life.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2022

This was Saint Bartholom�, the summer residence of his Reverence, Superior Andreas.

From The Monk and The Hangman's Daughter by Bierce, Ambrose

Related Words

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