Reverent

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɹɛv.ə.ɹənt/

Definitions

1. Showing deep respect and admiration, often in a religious or solemn context
2. Expressing profound respect and awe through manner or attitude, particularly toward something sacred or worthy of honor
3. Marked by deep veneration and solemn deference, typically displayed before persons, objects, or concepts held as spiritually significant

Etymology: "Reverent" comes into English from Middle French "reverent," which itself descends from Latin "reverēns," the present participle of "revereri," meaning "to stand in awe of" or "to fear respectfully." The Latin verb was built from "re-," meaning "again" or "back," and "vereri," "to fear" or "to be in awe," so the word's core idea is a kind of backward-leaning dread, a stepping away out of awe. Modern English "revere" was borrowed from the same Latin verb, so the two words share a root. The Latin participle ending "-ēns" passed into French as "-ent" and into English as the suffix now visible in "reverent." Its adjective form has kept its original sense largely intact across the centuries: to be reverent is to hold something in a posture of awe, not merely to feel fond of it.

Synonyms: respectful, admiring, awe-filled, devout, pious

Antonyms: disrespectful, irreverent, scornful, mocking, blasé