reverent

adjective

rev·​er·​ent ˈrev-rənt 

ˈre-və-;

ˈre-vərnt

: expressing or characterized by reverence : worshipful

reverently adverb

Examples of reverent in a Sentence

a reverent crowd of worshippers

a reverent tone of voice

Recent Examples on the Web

Styles rendition is reverent to the original, first released in 1985. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2026

That was on display as volunteers spoke of the lighthouse’s history in hushed, reverent voices. —Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

Goodspeed Musicals does new works but also reverent revivals of theater classics and re-workings of shows that need to be updated for modern times. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026

That’s the biggest takeaway from the singer/songwriter’s magical, spirited and joyous performance Saturday night in front of a sold-out, absolutely reverent crowd at Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. —Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 22 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin reverent-, reverens, present participle of reverērī "to stand in awe of, revere entry 1"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reverent

• irreverent

Kids Definition

reverent

adjective

rev·​er·​ent ˈrev-(ə-)rənt 

ˈrev-ərnt

: very respectful : showing reverence

reverently adverb