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irreverently

irreverently

1 7.8
In a way that shows lack of respect for things people take seriously
  • adverb
  • /ɪˈrɛvərəntli/
translation icon : irreverentemente
  • He irreverently challenged the traditions of the institution, advocating for a more modern approach.
  • refer to irreverently

Examples

  • David McCullough Jr. gave an insightful and irreverently funny commencement speech at Wellesley High School this year (Spring 2012).

    Blog text (20)
  • To compete with formal surveys, Desmond irreverently (if indirectly) critiqued them with an informal "survey" of her own.

    Academic text (2016)
  • Not a leg man, I thought irreverently to myself about my professor.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • To compete with formal marketing surveys, she irreverently contributed her own taste test of peanut butters as evidence.

    Academic text (2016)
  • References to characters in Russian novels and plays skip freely and irreverently through the fields of Allen's cinematic landscape.

    Academic text (1992)
  • She irreverently joked about the serious topic, making everyone laugh despite the somber atmosphere.

  • The comedian spoke irreverently about political figures, drawing both laughter and gasps from the audience.

Synonyms

sarcastically
vsirreverently
20 4.4

In a way that says the opposite to show you do not mean it

is simpler, showing disrespect directly toward serious matters rather than ironic mockery
wryly
vsirreverently
12 7.0

In a dry, slightly mocking way

is more openly disrespectful toward serious things rather than quietly humorous
mockingly
vsirreverently
9 5.6

In a way that makes fun of someone to show you do not respect them

is broader, often lacking respect without necessarily making fun loudly
dismissively
vsirreverently
6 5.5

In a way that shows you think something is not important

is more about breaching respect for valued subjects than merely ignoring them
derisively
vsirreverently
  • Offensive
6 7.3

In a mocking way that shows you think someone is foolish

is less directly mocking and more about disrespect for solemn subjects
contemptuously
vsirreverently
4 7.5

In a way that shows you have no respect for someone or something

is less about open contempt and more about disrespect for serious things
flippantly
vsirreverently
3 8.0

In a way that shows little respect and treats things lightly

is harsher, expressing disrespect toward what others hold serious rather than just lightness
disparagingly
vsirreverently
  • Offensive
3 7.3

In a way that shows you do not respect someone and say bad things about them

is broader, targeting serious subjects with disrespect rather than direct belittling
insultingly
vsirreverently
  • Offensive
2 5.9

In a rude way that tries to hurt someone's feelings

is often less aggressive, focusing on disrespect for seriousness rather than insult
sardonically
vsirreverently
2 8.4

In a mocking, bitter way that shows strong dislike

is less bitter, concentrating on general lack of respect for solemn topics
cheekily
vsirreverently
  • Informal
1 6.2

In a rude but playful way that shows little respect

is more about serious disrespect rather than playful or amusing impudence
crassly
vsirreverently
  • Offensive
1 7.8

In a way that shows no care for other people's feelings

is focused on disrespect for serious things rather than mere lack of refinement
derogatorily
vsirreverently
1 7.2

In a way that shows disrespect toward someone or something

is more about general lack of respect toward serious matters instead of criticism
scoffingly
vsirreverently
  • Offensive
8.6

In a rude way that shows you think someone is silly

is more general disrespect toward serious topics rather than active scoffing
derisorily
vsirreverently
  • Offensive
9.9

In a mocking way that shows you think someone is silly

is less about making someone foolish and more about not showing proper respect

Antonyms

101 2.3

In a polite way to someone

7 5.5

In a way that shows deep respect

How Respectful

reverently
7 5.5
respectfully
101 2.3
irreverently
1 7.8
rudely
25 1.3
insolently
1 7.6

Surface Forms

irreverently positive
irreverenter comparative
irreverentest superlative

Morphology

irreverently = irreverent (transparent) = ir + reverent + ly

Formed by the negative prefix 'ir-' + the adjective 'reverent' and then the adverbial suffix '-ly', so the meaning 'not in a reverent way' is directly derived.

Etymology

Irreverently comes from the parts in- meaning 'not' and reverent (from reverence) meaning 'deep respect'. So to act irreverently is to behave 'not respectful' toward people or things that others take seriously.