Reverential

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌɹɛvəˈɹɛnʃəl/

Definitions

1. Showing deep respect and admiration, often expressed through solemn behavior or a worshipful attitude
2. Exhibiting a deep sense of respect and admiration, often reflected in serious or worshipful conduct
3. Characterized by an expression of deep respect or admiration, often embodied in solemn demeanor or a worshipful attitude

Etymology: Reverence came into English from Latin "reverentia," a noun built from "revereri," meaning "to stand in awe of" or "to fear respectfully." The adjective "reverential" is a later step: it descends from Medieval Latin "reverentiālis," which took the Latin noun and added the adjectival suffix "-ālis," the same ending found in words like "industrial" and "parental." English therefore gained the noun first and formed the adjective from it. The root "revereri" is itself a compound of "re-," meaning "again" or "back," and "vereri," meaning "to fear" or "to stand in awe." The original picture is of drawing back in fear or awe before someone powerful, which is still faintly visible in the modern sense of holding someone in deep regard.

Synonyms: respectful, deferential, admiring, venerating, awe-inspiring

Antonyms: disrespectful, contemptuous, derisive, scornful, irreverent