Revere

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ɹə.viːɹ/

Definitions

1. To hold someone or something in deep respect and profound admiration while honoring them with great intensity, often reflecting a spiritual connection and high regard
2. To regard with intense esteem and veneration, indicating a deep honor that acknowledges exceptional qualities in a significant manner
3. To regard with deep respect and admiration while acknowledging the intrinsic value and significance of a person or concept in a profound way

Etymology: The most striking thing about "revere" is that its Latin ancestor, "vereor," meant "to fear," not to respect. The verb "revereor" was built by attaching the intensifying prefix "re-" to that fear-word, so the original sense was closer to standing in awe of something, a feeling that could tip either way between dread and devotion. Over Latin's long life, the fear component faded and the sense of deep reverence came to dominate. English borrowed the word through French "révérer," itself drawn directly from the Latin. Along the way it carried the older Latin feeling of awe into the language, which is why the modern verb still carries a sense of something bordering on the sacred rather than mere approval. The noun "reverence," from the same stock, follows the same path into English.

Synonyms: respect, admire, worship, esteem, venerate

Antonyms: despise, scorn, disdain, neglect, ignore