Word
reverence
Phoneticsrev·er·ence, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛvɝəns/
UK/ɹˈɛvɹəns/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a feeling of deep respect and love for someone or something. You usually feel this for people who are very wise, holy, or important.
n. a feeling or attitude of profound respect and veneration. Often directed toward religious figures, historical icons, or natural wonders.
Examples
“The students treated the old professor with great reverence.”
“The crowd stood in silence to show their reverence for the fallen heroes during the ceremony.”
“The architect designed the cathedral to inspire a sense of quiet reverence, using light and shadow to emphasize the scale of the vaulted ceilings.”
Examples
simple
“The students treated the old professor with great reverence.”
contextual
“The crowd stood in silence to show their reverence for the fallen heroes during the ceremony.”
complex
“The architect designed the cathedral to inspire a sense of quiet reverence, using light and shadow to emphasize the scale of the vaulted ceilings.”
Usage
Often paired with the preposition 'for' ('reverence for nature').
Real-World Examples
“By reverence I do not mean a return to dogmatic religion or supernatural belief. I mean a mode of perception and relation in which the world is encountered as intrinsically meaningful rather than merely useful.” “Throughout human history, eclipses have stirred amazement, fear and reverence, as they appear to halt the normal course of nature momentarily.” “Throughout human history, eclipses have sparked amazement, fear and reverence.” “Reverence for the sacred fosters genuine gratitude, expands true happiness, leads our minds to revelation, and brings greater joy to our lives.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
In Music
Cover shown under fair use for identification and commentary.
Reverence · 1992 · Alternative rock
- Artist:
- The Jesus and Mary Chain
- Album:
- Honey's Dead
The Jesus and Mary Chain released this alternative rock single in 1992, reaching the top ten on the UK charts. The title uses the word in its literal sense to describe a deep, holy respect, though the controversial lyrics led to a television ban. It remains one of the band's most famous and provocative tracks.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/reverence