Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Worthy of deep respect and veneration: Describes someone or something that commands profound respect, often due to a sacred or highly esteemed nature.

2. Noun:

   • A title of respect for a member of the Christian clergy: Used as a formal title before the name of a priest or minister.
   • A member of the clergy; a spiritual leader of the Christian Church: Refers to the person who holds such a title and office.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The reverend sage offered wisdom to the villagers. (The deeply respected sage offered wisdom to the villagers.)
  • They entered the reverend silence of the ancient cathedral. (They entered the deeply respectful silence of the ancient cathedral.)

• Noun (as a title):

  • We spoke with Reverend Davis after the service. (We spoke with the clergyman titled Reverend Davis after the service.)
  • The invitation was addressed to the Rev. A. Jones. (The invitation was addressed to the clergyman titled Rev. A. Jones.)

• Noun (referring to the person):

  • The reverend gave a powerful sermon on Sunday. (The member of the clergy gave a powerful sermon on Sunday.)
  • Several reverends from different denominations attended the conference. (Several clergy members from different denominations attended the conference.)

Advanced Usage

• "The Reverend" (Full Title): The standard formal title when addressing or referring to a Protestant minister, Anglican priest, or other Christian clergy. It is typically used with the full name (e.g., ).
• Abbreviations: Commonly abbreviated as or , especially in written form.
• Hierarchical Modifiers: In some Christian traditions, additional honorifics precede "Reverend" to denote rank:
  • The Right Reverend (often for a bishop).
  • The Most Reverend (often for an archbishop or metropolitan).

Variants and Related Words

• Reverence (n.): A feeling of profound awe and respect.
  • She held the ancient text in deep reverence.
• Reverent (adj.): Feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.
  • The congregation was reverent during the prayer.
• Reverential (adj.): Of the nature of, due to, or characterized by reverence.
  • He spoke in a reverential tone about his mentor.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Venerable, respected, esteemed, august.
• Noun (for the person): Clergyman, clergywoman, minister, pastor, priest, parson.

Related Phrases

• "Your Reverence": A formal, somewhat archaic form of address for a member of the clergy, particularly in some Catholic and Anglican contexts.
  • "Your Reverence, the parishioners are waiting."

Notes on Usage

• When used as a title, "Reverend" is not a stand-alone form of address. One would not say, "Hello, Reverend." Instead, it is used with the surname or full name: "Hello, Reverend Smith."
• The word is capitalized when it forms part of a title (e.g., ) but not when used as a general adjective (e.g., ).
• While primarily associated with Christian clergy, the adjective form can be applied more broadly to any deeply respected person or thing.

Adjective

1. worthy of adoration or reverence

Noun

1. a title of respect for a clergyman
2. a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church