reverently

[rev-er-uhnt-lee, rev-ruhnt-lee]

adverb

1. in a way that exhibits deep respect or veneration.

   When the Mass finally ended, the urn was reverently placed in the front seat of an old fire truck, which led the long funeral procession up the steep hillside to the cemetery.

   The nun spoke reverently about the need to respect the spiritual beliefs of Native peoples.

Other Word Forms

• nonreverently adverb
• unreverently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of reverently¹

reverent ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

After one of star Cynthia Erivo’s solos, the audience clapped so loud, long and reverently, that tears came to the singer’s eyes — which only caused the crowd to cheer harder.

From Los Angeles Times

“I see the hand of God in her,” Trujillo says reverently.

From Los Angeles Times

Around the room, participants gazed reverently into their paper cups, some of them mouthing words silently.

From Los Angeles Times

On a piece of wrapping paper he reverently carried in his hand was a charred piece of flesh he was taking for DNA analysis.

From Los Angeles Times

Is it ever strange to play with guys who look up to you so reverently?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admiringly www.thesaurus.com
• affectionately 
• earnestly 
• fondly 
• longingly www.thesaurus.com
• passionately 
• respectfully www.thesaurus.com
• thoughtfully www.thesaurus.com
• warmly www.thesaurus.com
• zealously www.thesaurus.com