reverent

adjective

rev·​er·​ent ˈrev-rənt 

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

Although a welcome antidote to the many reverent paeans to the liberal international order and attendant calls for its pristine preservation, Allison’s critique does not fully rhyme with his conclusions. —Rebecca Friedman Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2018

Farmacia, Boston Precise, particular, intimate: Phillip Rolfe's nine-seat bar in the North End neighborhood of Boston is a reverent drinking experience. —Scott Hocker, theweek, 4 Apr. 2024

Part of that show of respect is to remain reverent during this event and to refrain from eating, sleeping, or going outside, instead taking the time to pray and sit still. —Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 4 Apr. 2024

The tribute to Toby Keith by Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson, and, in particular, Sammy Hagar deftly threaded the needle between reverent and rowdy. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 8 Apr. 2024

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

Kids Definition

reverent

adjective

rev·​er·​ent ˈrev-(ə-)rənt 

ˈrev-ərnt

: very respectful : showing reverence

reverently adverb