reverence

noun rev·er·ence \ ˈrev-rən(t)s , ˈre-və- ; ˈre-vərn(t)s \

Updated on: 18 Apr 2018

Definition of reverence

1 : honor or respect felt or shown : deference; especially : profound adoring awed respect

2 : a gesture of respect (such as a bow)

3 : the state of being revered

4 : one held in reverence —used as a title for a clergyman

See reverence defined for English-language learners

See reverence defined for kids

Examples of reverence in a Sentence

The national pickle dish, kimchi, is held in such reverence that Seoul boasts a museum devoted entirely to its 160 different varieties. —The Encyclopedia of Herbs, Spices, & Flavorings, 1992
Reverence for or worship of the dead is found in all societies, because belief in life after death is universal. —World Religions, 1983
He took the command of this small party at once—the little girl and the little boy following him about with great reverence at such times as he condescended to sport with them. —William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, 1848
Her poems are treated with reverence by other poets.
Their religion has a deep reverence for nature.

Recent Examples of reverence from the Web

That's why Vietnam veterans still speak with reverence about the brave chopper crews.

— meg jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin vets' families welcome Vietnam helicopter crew memorial to be unveiled in Arlington National Cemetery," 9 Apr. 2018
Not many people are still talked about with such reverence seven years after their death.

— ben simister and tom mcgowan, CNN, "Seve Ballesteros: The Spanish master of Augusta," 6 Apr. 2018
No one in the international community will view the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or Mr. Kim with greater reverence following his meeting with Mr. Trump.

— ted rall, WSJ, "Talks With the U.S. Are Not a Reward," 5 Apr. 2018
Don’t just fold this one over: it must be held like a chalice with reverence in both hands and carried to the trash, or somewhere it can be poured, preferably over the back fence or into Mount Doom.

— matt coyne, Good Housekeeping, "50% of Caring for a Baby Is Crap," 5 Apr. 2018
The tuna itself, well cut into bite-size cubes, wore a simple marinade that allowed its reverence for the ocean to come through without being overly fishy.

— malcolm mayhew, star-telegram, "Poke Stop sure-footed as it catches first wave of Hawaiian-dining trend in Fort Worth | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 4 Apr. 2018
There’s such reverence for the Wings in Marcus’ family that her 8-year-old daughter, Emy Beckett, thinks the Joe should be converted into a hockey museum.

— carlos monarrez, Detroit Free Press, "Little Caesars Arena in Year 1: Attendance up but winning would endear fans," 21 Mar. 2018
Underground chemists spoke with reverence of a Svengali who produced and sold them high-quality sports drugs.

— michael powell, New York Times, "At the Heart of a Vast Doping Network, an Alias," 26 Mar. 2018
El-Sissi cultivates the image of a folksy populist, going on at length about his devotion to God, his reverence for his late mother, and his love for Egypt.

— hamza hendawi, Fox News, "In Egypt's election, turnout provides the only suspense," 25 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reverence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of reverence

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin reverentia, from reverent-, reverens "respectful, reverent" + -ia ¹-ia

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of reverence

honor, homage, reverence, deference mean respect and esteem shown to another. honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition.

- the nomination is an honor

homage adds the implication of accompanying praise.

- paying homage to Shakespeare

reverence implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe.

- great reverence for my father

deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence.

- showed no deference to their elders

reverence

verb rev·er·ence \ ˈrev-rən(t)s , ˈre-və- ; ˈre-vərn(t)s \

Definition of reverence

reverenced; reverencing

transitive verb

: to regard or treat with reverence

—

reverencer

noun

Examples of reverence in a Sentence

Only acquaintance with the great models of antiquity moves men to love and reverence the great authors of their own time … —John Clive, Not By Fact Alone, 1989
It is our most fundamental political document, reverenced by all, the supposed cement of our society, yet it is read by few and understood by fewer still. —David M. Kennedy, New York Times Book Review, 14 Sept. 1986
None of us like mediocrity, but we all reverence perfection. —Mark Twain, A Tramp Abroad, 1880
devotees coming to reverence their god

Recent Examples of reverence from the Web

A life cut short by unexpected catastrophe is reverenced.

— christopher knight, latimes.com, "Jessie Homer French at Various Small Fires: In death, she finds life," 6 May 2017

Origin and Etymology of reverence

Middle English reverencen, derivative of reverence reverence

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

reverence Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of reverence

revere, reverence, venerate, worship, adore mean to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully. revere stresses deference and tenderness of feeling.