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reverent

reverent

10 6.1
Showing deep respect, often during religious or formal events
  • adjective
  • /ˈrɛvərənt/
translation icon : reverente
  • During the ceremony, everyone spoke in reverent tones as they honored the memory of the fallen heroes.
  • reverent relationship with nature

Examples

  • 'It is Christmas Eve, the year of our Lord 1864, 'and there is a deep and reverent sense of peace 'and tranquillity in the camp tonight.'

  • What a profound and reverent night is this.

  • Say their names with reverent pride.

  • A new generation of politicians paid reverent affection to his legend.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Spoken of in hushed and reverent tones.

  • For a long moment, they stood in reverent silence before the conquistador.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • To commemorate your arrival, I propose a reverent ceremony at dawn.

  • For my mother, too, McGill was a reverent place, the secular Yeshiva.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Time spent in prayer, no matter how reverent one's demeanor, was to be joyfully savored.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The prince was shining-eyed and reverent, and Shina blushed like a ripe strawberry.

    Fiction book (1997)

Synonyms

respectful
vsreverent
150 1.1

Being polite and showing admiration for someone

is stronger, involving deeper, often sacred, admiration not mere politeness
pious
vsreverent
37 6.3

Having deep belief in and respect for religion

is broader, covering deep respect for sacred things generally
deferential
vsreverent
  • Formal
10 6.6

Being respectful and polite to someone because they are older or have more experience

is about deep spiritual admiration, not submission to authority
devotional
vsreverent
10 7.2

Relating to worship or prayer

is about personal deep respect rather than organized religious acts
reverential
vsreverent
3 7.6

Showing deep respect and awe

is focused especially on respect toward sacred things
worshipful
vsreverent
3 7.1

Showing deep respect and love, often for a person or God

is centered on deep respect for sacred things rather than adoration

Antonyms

121 3.0

Not polite to someone, for example interrupting them

19 7.2

Not showing respect for people or things most people respect

How Reverent

worshipful
3 7.1
reverent
10 6.1
devout
55 5.7
respectful
150 1.1

Surface Forms

reverent positive
reverenter comparative
reverentest superlative

Morphology

reverent = revere (transparent) = revere + ent

Formed by the verb 'revere' plus the adjectival suffix '-ent', so the meaning 'showing deep respect' is directly derived.

Etymology

Reverent comes from the old Latin verb revereri, which meant 'to stand in awe' or deeply respect someone, and it shares the same root as the familiar word revere. So, to be reverent is to show deep, quiet respect and admiration, often in a sacred or serious moment.