reverent
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- nonreverent adjective
- reverently adverb
- reverentness noun
- self-reverent adjective
- unreverent adjective
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”; 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.
"It was so vibrant and so alive. A reverent and gracious… and wonderful, wonderful energy," he said.
From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025
In the midst of the music festival’s craziness, the tent was filled with a weighted, reverent energy.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025
He opens with the hymn “Abide With Me,” played in a reverent manner.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025
As the verses dwindled, the crowd’s voices softened, almost reverent.
From Slate • Nov. 10, 2025
And that is what he did, always silent, always reverent, always present.
From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles
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.
