Revered

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈvɪə(ɹ)d/

Definitions

1. Regarded with deep respect and admiration for notable qualities or accomplishments
2. Admired and valued greatly for exceptional traits or deeds
3. Considered worthy of great respect because of distinguished qualities or achievements

Etymology: "Revered" is the past participle of "revere," which came into English by way of French. The French verb "révérer" descends from the Latin "revereor," built from the prefix "re-" and "vereor," meaning "to fear." So at its root, the idea is fear, or at least a deep, awed caution, before it became a word for admiration. That shift is the striking part. Respect and reverence feel gentle today, but the Latin verb carried the sense of holding someone in such awe that you feared to cross them. The "re-" prefix here is intensive rather than a sign of repetition, giving the sense of a fear that is thorough and strong.

Synonyms: admired, respected, venerated, honored, esteemed

Antonyms: despised, disrespected, scorned, mocked, ridiculed