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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Great Gatsby
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Tuna says everyone who has come to see the art has left feeling a bit more reverent.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026
"It was so vibrant and so alive. A reverent and gracious… and wonderful, wonderful energy," he said.
From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025
As the verses dwindled, the crowd’s voices softened, almost reverent.
From Slate • Nov. 10, 2025
The singer Seph Schlueter watched his reverent ballad “Counting My Blessings” take off on Instagram in Brazil before catching fire in the U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 9, 2025
Then she bowed to Svetlana, reverent and low, as if she were bowing to the tsarina herself.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
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.
