Venerator

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. one who shows deep respect or reverence for a person, object, or ideal
2. a person who holds something in high esteem and expresses devotion or admiration toward it
3. an individual characterized by profound regard and honor toward what they consider worthy of worship or veneration
4. a person who shows deep respect or reverence toward someone or something worthy of honor
5. one who expresses profound admiration and respect for a person, object, or principle

Etymology: "Venerator" is a plain formation: the verb "venerate" with the agent suffix "-or", meaning one who performs the action. The suffix comes from Latin "-or", which English took in large numbers from Latin and French to build words for people who do something, such as "actor" or "governor." The verb "venerate" itself comes from Latin "venerari," meaning to worship, revere or show deep respect, and it is the root that gives the noun its sense of someone who honours a person, object or ideal with reverence. The suffix attaches to that root so that a venerator is, quite literally, a doer of veneration. The word follows the same pattern as "adorer" from "adore," which tells you how straightforward its construction is.

Synonyms: admirer, worshipper, reverer, devotee, idolizer

Antonyms: detractor, critic, opposer, denier, disparager