reverential
/,revə'renʃəl/
Definition
Adjective: 1. Feeling or showing deep respect and awe: Describes an attitude or behavior characterized by profound honor, deference, and veneration, often in a religious or solemn context. 2. Manifesting veneration: Expressing a feeling of great respect and admiration, typically for someone or something considered sacred or highly esteemed.
Usage
The adjective "reverential" is used to describe a manner, tone, action, or silence that is deeply respectful. It often modifies nouns related to behavior or atmosphere. - It is commonly used in formal or literary contexts. - It describes an attitude toward figures of authority, sacred objects, traditions, or profound concepts.
Examples
- The crowd observed a reverential silence as the veterans laid the wreath.
- She spoke about her mentor in a reverential tone.
- The archaeologist handled the ancient artifact with reverential care.
- His biography of the composer is more reverential than critically analytical.
Advanced Usage
- "reverential fear": A deep respect mixed with awe or fear, often in a religious context.
- They approached the sacred site with a sense of reverential fear.
- Used to describe an atmosphere or quality:
- The museum had a quiet, almost reverential, ambiance.
Variants and Related Words
- Reverence (noun): Deep respect for someone or something.
- He bowed his head in reverence.
- Reverently (adverb): In a reverential manner.
- The pilgrims walked reverently around the shrine.
- Revere (verb): To feel or show deep respect and admiration.
- He is revered as a national hero.
Synonyms
- Deferential: Showing humility and respect.
- Venerating: Regarding with great respect.
- Worshipful: Showing adoration or reverence.
- Respectful: Feeling or showing deference.
Antonyms
- Disrespectful: Showing a lack of respect.
- Contemptuous: Showing scorn; disdainful.
- Irreverent: Lacking proper respect.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "in a reverential hush": In a state of quietness due to deep respect.
- The announcement was met with a reverential hush.
- "reverential attitude": A consistent posture of deep respect.
- The students maintained a reverential attitude toward their elderly teacher.
Adjective
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feeling or manifesting veneration
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