What does reverent mean?
Reverent describes conduct, attitudes, and settings marked by deep respect, humility, or solemn admiration. Someone may be reverent toward a religious figure, a place of worship, a person, a tradition, or an artistic achievement. The word is especially common in phrases such as “reverent silence,” where it suggests not merely quietness but a respectful awareness of something significant or sacred. It can also describe a tone, manner, treatment, or approach that conveys gravity and admiration. Reverent is formal in register and often has a slightly elevated quality, so it is especially appropriate in literary, ceremonial, religious, and historical contexts. While religious usage is common, the word is not restricted to religion: it can describe profound respect for anything regarded as worthy of reverence. Its related noun, reverence, names the feeling itself and is somewhat more flexible in describing both an attitude and the quality of being treated with deep respect.
adjectiveShowing or expressing deep respect, often with solemnity or humility. It may describe an attitude, manner, silence, or treatment of a person, place, belief, or object regarded as worthy of reverence.
- Showing or expressing deep respect, humility, or solemn admiration
- Characterized by religious devotion or awe
"The congregation fell into reverent silence as the candles were lit."
"Visitors spoke in reverent tones while walking through the ancient cathedral."
"Her reverent approach to the subject made clear that she considered it sacred."
Reverent began with a simple idea: the Latin reverens meant “honoring” or “revering,” so the word has long carried the sense of looking upon something with profound respect.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reverent come from?
Reverent comes through French from Latin reverens, the present participle of revereri, meaning “to honor, respect, or revere.” The Latin verb combined re-, indicating back or again, with vereri, “to fear with awe,” reflecting an attitude of respectful veneration. English also developed related forms such as reverence, reverend, reverential, and reverently, all of which continue the same root idea of honoring or treating with profound respect.
Related word forms
How reverent is actually used
Reverent is a formal word, commonly used for attitudes, behavior, silences, and treatments that convey respect or solemnity. Although it is often associated with religious contexts and sacred objects, it can also describe respectful attention to a person, place, tradition, or artistic achievement.
Easily confused with reverent
Reverent is an adjective meaning respectful or solemn, whereas reverend is an honorific traditionally used for members of the clergy.