What does irreverence mean?
Irreverence means conduct or an attitude marked by disrespect, mockery, or casual disregard for things considered sacred, serious, or worthy of authority. It can describe an individual's behavior, such as treating a religious tradition with ridicule, or a broader cultural mood, as in a comedy known for its irreverence. The word may be critical, suggesting vulgarity or impropriety, but it can also be approving, describing humor that questions convention and punctures pretension. Its force depends on context: irreverence toward an established institution may be seen as witty or courageous, while irreverence toward a bereaved person or a vulnerable group may be considered offensive. Irreverence is especially associated with comedy, religion, politics, and challenges to conventional authority.
nounIrreverence is disrespectful or impolite behavior, especially toward something regarded as sacred, serious, or worthy of respect. It can also refer more broadly to an attitude or habit of treating solemn subjects with mockery or disregard.
- Disrespectful or impolite behavior, especially toward a person, institution, or belief regarded as worthy of respect.
- An attitude of treating serious or sacred subjects with ridicule, mockery, or deliberate disregard for convention.
"His casual humor was often regarded as irreverence, though many audiences found it refreshing."
"The comedian's irreverence toward national symbols delighted some viewers and offended others."
"The museum welcomed the children's irreverence, encouraging them to question traditional stories and conventions."
The plural is uncommon and usually refers to distinct acts or examples of irreverence.
"The essays explore the different irreverences of modern comedy."
Irreverence is the noun for treating the solemn with a wink—sometimes criticism, sometimes comedy, and sometimes simply a refusal to take convention too seriously.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does irreverence come from?
The word comes from the Latin irreverens, meaning irreverent or not reverent, formed from the prefix in- and the verb revere, itself related to Latin revereri, 'to respect or worship.' English borrowed the adjective irreverent and later developed the noun irreverence from the same root. The related English words reverence, revere, and reverent share this Latin origin and express the contrasting idea of respectful regard.
Related word forms
How irreverence is actually used
Irreverence can be neutral or approving when it describes humor that challenges authority, convention, or religious seriousness, but it is usually critical when it implies deliberate disrespect or vulgarity. The word is more common in formal discussion than in everyday conversation.
Easily confused with irreverence
Disrespect is a broader term for any lack of courtesy or regard, while irreverence more specifically suggests treating something serious, sacred, or traditionally respected with mockery or impropriety.