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

There is a fine line between reverent homage and cheap pastiche; Shelby Oaks largely exists on the latter side. —Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025

Del Toro loves playing around in genres, and his remake of the 1947 film (itself based on the William Lindsay Gresham novel) represents what’s best (and also what’s limiting) about his reverent enthusiasm. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025

As irreverent as Calvin is, the way Bill Watterson depicts the natural world is so reverent and spiritual and vivid. —Mathias Rosenzweig, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025

The atmosphere is reverent and energized, with attendees standing in collective praise hours before the formal program begins. —Amanda Castro mandy Taheri peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025

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