ENGLISH
REFERENCE

irreverent

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪˈɹɛvɝənt// UK //ɪɹˈɛvɹənt// ir·rev·er·ent

adj. showing a lack of respect for people, ideas, or traditions that others think are important. You use this to describe someone who makes jokes or comments about things that are usually taken very seriously.

adj. showing a lack of respect or seriousness, particularly toward established traditions, authority, or sacred things. Often carries a slightly humorous or rebellious tone.


SIMPLE

The comedian made irreverent jokes about the president.

CONTEXTUAL

The irreverent tone of the book shocked many critics who expected a more traditional history of the war.

COMPLEX

While some found the irreverent portrayal of historical figures to be a refreshing critique of nationalism, others argued it undermined the gravity of the events being described.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Latin irreverēns. By surface analysis, ir- + reverent.

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