reverent

adjective

rev·​er·​ent ˈrev-rənt How to pronounce reverent (audio)
ˈre-və-;
ˈre-vərnt
: expressing or characterized by reverence : worshipful
reverently adverb

Examples of reverent in a Sentence

a reverent crowd of worshippers a reverent tone of voice
Recent Examples on the Web Cabrini The Bottom Line A reverent biopic in every sense. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Feb. 2024 Both were received by the crowd with a reverent silence, and then very loud applause. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024 His explorations of identity and self-definition, of the importance of the oral tradition in literature, and of his Kiowa heritage were interwoven with reverent evocations of landscape in passages of soaring lyrical prose. John Motyka, New York Times, 29 Jan. 2024 But rather than juice the story with agitated music, Ruo overlays it with reverent chorales. An Epic Set, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2024 Seated in a circle around her, their faces lit by a crackling campfire, 20 nonbelievers listened with reverent attention. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2023 Mike Sutton Mike Sutton is an editor, writer, test driver, and general car nerd who has contributed to Car and Driver's reverent and irreverent passion for the automobile since 2008. Mike Sutton, Car and Driver, 27 Feb. 2023 So, grab some strappy sandals for a reverent geek-stroll through how this improbable pop opus came together. Jamie Bryan, Rolling Stone, 16 Nov. 2023 Our group was hushed, and the only sounds came from our horse's hooves, the gauchos' commands, and reverent gasps as the sun began to rise, revealing the Andes against a pinkening sky. Mercedes Bleth, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reverent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin reverent-, reverens, present participle of reverērī "to stand in awe of, revere entry 1"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reverent was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near reverent

Cite this Entry

“Reverent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reverent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reverent

adjective
rev·​er·​ent ˈrev-(ə-)rənt How to pronounce reverent (audio)
ˈrev-ərnt
: very respectful : showing reverence
reverently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on reverent

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