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reverence

reverence

41 6.3
A deep feeling of respect and awe for someone or something
  • noun
  • /ˈrɛvərəns/
: reverencia
  • The study of various tribal traditions has taught me that reverence for nature is not idolatry.
  • awe and reverence
  • respect and reverence
  • deep reverence

It also has a sense of reverence or piety to it.

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Examples

  • St Paul said, 'Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.'

  • During the ritual, they were treated with the utmost reverence.

  • When he talks about her, it's with incredible reverence and love.

  • And that is the ultimate thing, to keep that reverence for life so close, so inside.

  • All the reverence I owe to your high office.

  • Furthermore, she views the religion of Islam with reverence and great respect.

    Academic text (2008)
  • We give thanks for their reverence for and stewardship of this land throughout the ages.

    Academic text (2015)
  • I have deep admiration and reverence for high horsepower minds.

  • Therefore, I have always held in reverence the Lord's Prayer, the Commandments, and the Virgin's holy image.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • During the ritual, they were treated with the utmost reverence.

Synonyms

respect
vsreverence
996 1.0

A feeling of admiration for someone because they are good or successful

adds a much deeper, almost worshipful feeling beyond ordinary esteem
awe
vsreverence
143 3.4

A strong feeling of respect and wonder, sometimes with fear, often caused by something impressive or beautiful

leans more toward deep respectful feeling rather than shocked wonder
admiration
vsreverence
103 1.8

A feeling of respect and approval for someone or something

is deeper and more sacred than simple approval or liking
regard
vsreverence
54 3.3

Respect and admiration for someone or something

represents a far stronger, more reverent emotional attitude than casual esteem
deference
vsreverence
34 7.8

Polite respect that makes you accept someone's wishes or opinions

is an inner attitude of deep respect and awe rather than obedience
adoration
vsreverence
20 3.4

A strong feeling of love and respect for someone or something

focuses on deep respectful awe without the loving or romantic element
utmost respect
vsreverence
18 3.7

The highest feeling of admiration and honor for a person or thing

is similarly deep but also includes feelings of awe and veneration
fear
vsreverence
5 6.3

A strong feeling of respect mixed with worry toward someone powerful

centres on reverent awe rather than primarily on danger or threat
veneration
vsreverence
  • Formal
4 7.8

Strong respect for someone or something, often shown in a religious way

is broader, including deep awe and respect beyond religious worship

Antonyms

116 5.5

A strong feeling that someone or something is worthless and deserves no respect

6 7.9

A lack of respect for people or things that are usually respected

How Reverent

worship
30 4.2
veneration
  • Formal
4 7.8
reverence
41 6.3
respect
996 1.0

Surface Forms

reverence singular
reverences plural

Morphology

reverence = revere (transparent) = revere + ence

The noun is a regular nominalization of the verb 'revere' with the suffix '-ence', so the meaning is directly derived from 'revere'.

Etymology

Reverence comes from the old Latin verb revereri, which meant 'to respect' or 'stand in awe', and it is the same root as revere and reverent. So reverence is a deep feeling of respect or awe.