reverent
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reverent
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Latin reverent- (stem of reverēns ), present participle of reverērī “to fear, have reverence”; see revere 1, -ent
Explanation
When you have great awe and respect for someone or something, and you show it by respectfully worshiping that person, thing, deity, or musical group, you are being reverent. Originally, the word reverent was used only in religious contexts, but now it works when people are just acting like they’re in a religious setting (even if the object of their worship is a sports star or political pundit). People are occasionally reverent in regard to antique cars, supermodels, spelling bee champions and giant TV screens. Reverent is related to the verb revere, which is also about having or showing respect for someone or something.
Vocabulary lists containing reverent
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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The Great Gatsby
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These aptly named helpers are dignified, reverent and attentive.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
As the light slowly faded in Tarragona, on the Mediterranean coast, a crowd looked on in almost reverent silence as the orange, late-afternoon glow gave way to amost complete darkness.
From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026
In contrast, Netflix’s gently reverent new series suggests these stories might be best viewed as nostalgia-colored American landscape paintings that can benefit from modern touch-ups.
From Salon ● Jul. 11, 2026
We witness this in the image of our fútbol queen on the cover, strong, reverent and at peace.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026
The woman closes her eyes and gives a reverent nod.
From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
