irreverent

/i'revərənt/ Cách viết khác : (irreverential) /i,revə'renʃəl/

Thân thiện

An irreverent comedian pokes fun at a famous painting in a museum.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking proper respect or seriousness, especially toward things that are generally taken very seriously: This is the core meaning. An "irreverent" person or thing does not show the expected or traditional respect, often in a way that is humorous, bold, or critical.
   • Not showing reverence for a deity or sacred things: Specifically describes an attitude that does not revere God or religious matters.
   • Characterized by a bold, lively, or cheeky disregard for formality: Describes a manner that is pert, exuberant, and unconcerned with strict conventions of respect.

Examples of Usage

• General lack of respect:
  • The comedian's irreverent humor often targets politicians and celebrities.
  • She has an irreverent attitude toward the company's outdated traditions.
• Toward religion or sacred things:
  • The film was criticized for its irreverent portrayal of religious figures.
  • Irreverent comments during the ceremony shocked the devout attendees.
• Describing a lively, cheeky manner:
  • His irreverent wit made him a popular but controversial talk show host.
  • The guide's irreverent commentary made the historical tour unexpectedly entertaining.

Advanced Usage

• "Irreverent towards": Used to specify the object of the lack of respect.
  • He is irreverent towards authority figures.
• Tone and Context: "Irreverent" often carries a tone that is not necessarily malicious but is boldly humorous, satirical, or refreshingly honest. It can be a positive trait when challenging unjust authority or stale traditions, or a negative one when crossing lines of decency.

Variants and Related Words

• Irreverence (noun): The quality or state of being irreverent.
  • His irreverence for protocol often got him into trouble.
• Irreverently (adverb): In an irreverent manner.
  • She spoke irreverently about the sacred texts.

Synonyms

• Disrespectful: Lacking respect (often more directly negative).
• Flippant: Not showing a serious or respectful attitude (suggests superficiality).
• Impious: Lacking reverence for God (specifically religious).
• Cheeky / Pert: Boldly lively or saucy in a way that shows a lack of respect (often less severe).

Antonyms

• Reverent: Feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.
• Deferential: Showing humility and respect.
• Pious: Devoutly religious.
• Respectful: Showing politeness and honor.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To treat with irreverence: To handle or speak about something without due respect.
  • The ancient artifact was treated with irreverence by the careless museum visitors.
• A spirit of irreverence: A prevailing attitude of not taking things too seriously.
  • A spirit of irreverence characterized the new artistic movement.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. not revering god
2. characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality
   • a certain irreverent gaiety and ease of manner
3. showing lack of due respect or veneration
   • irreverent scholars mocking sacred things
   • noisy irreverent tourists

Từ đồng nghĩa

• godless
• impertinent
• pert
• saucy