reverence

[rev-er-uhns, rev-ruhns]

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 ).

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

/ 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

verb

1. (tr) to revere or venerate

Reverence

²

/ ˈrɛvərəns /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• reverencer noun
• nonreverence noun
• self-reverence noun
• unreverenced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reverence¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Latin reverentia “respect, fear, awe”; equivalent to revere ¹ + -ence

Example Sentences

For Oliphant, every part of the cartoon — subject, style and structure — is important, and it’s that reverence for attentive construction that’s been so rapidly phased out.

From Salon

Then, after a 20-year detour into essays - that split public opinion and earned her both reverence and vilification - and a second novel, Roy has returned with her first memoir.

From BBC

But with all the reverence in the world.

From Los Angeles Times

However, he added that the Mysuru Dasara festival wasn't a cultural event but a Hindu religious festival and demanded that Mushtaq "clarify her reverence" towards the two Hindu dieties associated with the festival before agreeing to inaugurate it.

From BBC

By then, the building had already established what I’ve come to think of, with reverence, as The Free Table.

From Salon

Related Words

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