What does reverence mean?
Reverence is a formal and elevated noun meaning deep respect, admiration, or awe, especially toward a person, place, object, tradition, or belief considered sacred, venerable, or worthy of special regard. Unlike ordinary respect, which can describe everyday courtesy or approval, reverence suggests a heightened and often solemn emotional response. It is commonly used in religious, historical, ceremonial, and cultural contexts: people may speak with reverence of a saint, memorial, sacred text, or respected elder. The word can also denote an outward expression of this attitude, such as a bow, a prayer, or a period of silence. Although “respect” and “deference” are close synonyms, reverence generally carries a stronger sense of awe and admiration. In modern English, it is most often uncountable, but “reverences” can refer to multiple acts or expressions of respect.
nounDeep respect or admiration, especially for someone or something regarded as sacred, venerable, or worthy of awe. It can also refer to an expression or act of such respect.
- Deep respect or admiration, especially toward someone or something considered sacred, venerable, or worthy of awe.
- An expression or act showing such respect.
"The visitors approached the ancient shrine with quiet reverence."
"She spoke with reverence about the teachers who had shaped her career."
"The ceremony expressed reverence for the ancestors through music, silence, and prayer."
The plural is uncommon. The word is normally uncountable when it means deep respect or admiration, though “reverences” can denote multiple acts or expressions of respect.
"The visitors offered their reverences to the ancient monument."
Reverence comes from the Latin root vereri, meaning “to respect” or “to stand in awe of”—the same root behind reverent and reverential.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reverence come from?
The English word entered through Old French reverence, from Latin reverentia, meaning respect or awe. That Latin noun was formed from reverens, the present participle of vereri, “to respect” or “to stand in awe of.” The same Latin root underlies English words including reverent, reverently, and reverential.
Related word forms
How reverence is actually used
Reverence is formal and elevated. It often suggests solemnity, admiration, or a sense of something greater than oneself, making it more emphatic than ordinary respect.
Easily confused with reverence
Reverence means deep respect or admiration, whereas a reference is a citation, mention, or indication of a source.