Revering

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To regard with profound respect and admiration while attributing a significant value to its presence and importance
2. To honor deeply and cherish, demonstrating a strong sense of veneration for its qualities and essence
3. To hold something in high esteem and treat it with great respect, acknowledging its significance and the positive attributes it embodies

Etymology: The verb "revere" passed into English from French, where "révérer" meant to show deep respect, and it goes back to Latin "revereor", which literally carried a sense of fear. The prefix "re-" intensifies the base "vereor", "to fear" or "to stand in awe of", so the original idea was closer to being struck with reverent dread than to admiring something. The fear in the root has largely faded, leaving a sense of respect shaded with awe. "Revering" is simply the -ing form of that verb, so it describes the ongoing act of holding someone or something in deep esteem. Its core meaning has remained stable since the word entered English, while the emotional tone has softened from fear toward admiration.

Synonyms: worshiping, admiring, honoring, venerating, reverencing

Antonyms: disrespecting, scorning, despising, mocking, ridiculing