irreverence

USAGE SUMMARY

'irreverence' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a lack of respect or reverence, especially towards something or someone that is usually respected and venerated. Example sentence: His irreverence for the family tradition made his parents disappointed and sad.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The journey from war to peace has taken too long, and familiarity breeds irreverence.

The Guardian - Opinion

It took the joyous irreverence of Wendy Cope's "Waste Land Limericks" – Iain yelped with laughter when I recited them to him – to give me the brass neck to attempt "A Fertile Sea", my own impertinent response to Eliot's masterwork.

The Guardian - Books

And if he fudges the issue, won't that undermine the vein of breezy, amoral irreverence usually so ubiquitous in his films?

The Guardian - Film

One of the reasons for the Daily Mirror's long period of sales success with its working class audience had been its irreverence and anti-establishment image.

The Guardian

The devout Roman Catholic in Sir Matt (he has dropped on his knees in the crowded tearoom at the Manchester United ground to kiss the ring on a bishop's hand) might be slightly discomfited by the joke, but the football club manager, who has lived the most memorable moments of his life amid the tense, masculine irreverence of dressing rooms, would smile without embarrassment.

The Guardian - Sport

A subculture of irreverence forms an increasingly strong counterpoint to the apparent dominance of public piety.One illustration is the immense popularity across the region of Bassem Youssef, an Egyptian comic and talk-show host.

The Economist

Or would he show it the same irreverence he had for Mr Morsi?

The Economist

Or would he show it the same irreverence he had for the hapless Mr Morsi?

The Economist

The Globes have become a draw for television audiences, in part for its mix of glitz and informality (at least when set against the Academy Awards), and the occasional irreverence of its hosts.

The Economist

Evangelical Christianity is being shaken not only by the irreverence of the young but also by new discoveries flowing from genetic science.Some discoveries mostly serve to inject fresh evidence into long-running disputes.

The Economist

The non-Asian students in the US, however, have that native irreverence and vitality, so they are very happy to question anything and everything the professors say".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "irreverence" when you want to convey a lack of respect or veneration for something typically held in high regard. Ensure the context aligns with this nuanced meaning.

Common error

While both terms denote a lack of respect, "irreverence" specifically targets institutions, traditions, or figures typically deserving of veneration. Avoid using it when describing simple rudeness or bad manners, as disrespect is a more general term.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "irreverence" is as a noun. It refers to the state or quality of lacking proper respect or reverence, often towards something considered sacred or important. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its usage in sentences across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "irreverence" is a commonly used noun that denotes a lack of respect for things typically held in high regard. As Ludwig AI highlights, the word is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using "irreverence", ensure you are specifically referring to a lack of veneration for established institutions, traditions, or figures, rather than general rudeness. Related terms include "lack of respect", "flippancy", and "disregard", each with slightly different nuances. Remember that context is key to determining if expressing "irreverence" is appropriate or offensive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of reverence

Highlights the absence of deep respect, often in a religious or solemn context.

lack of respect

Focuses on the absence of due regard for someone or something.

disrespect

A more direct and potentially offensive form of lacking respect.

contempt

Expresses a feeling of disdain or scorn, often accompanied by a lack of respect.

flippancy

Emphasizes a lack of seriousness or levity in a situation where it is inappropriate.

disregard

Suggests a deliberate ignoring of rules, conventions, or authority.

impertinence

Implies rudeness or a lack of proper manners, especially towards a superior.

cheekiness

Suggests a playful or humorous form of disrespect.

sacrilege

Specifically refers to the violation or profaning of something sacred.

profanity

Involves disrespectful language or behavior toward sacred things.

FAQs

How can I use "irreverence" in a sentence?

"Irreverence" is typically used to describe a lack of respect for something that is generally taken seriously. For example, "The comedian's "irreverence" towards political figures made him popular."

What's the difference between "irreverence" and "disrespect"?

"Irreverence" implies a lack of respect specifically for things that are usually considered sacred or important, while "disrespect" is a more general term for showing a lack of regard for someone or something.

What are some synonyms for "irreverence"?

Some synonyms for "irreverence" include "lack of respect", "flippancy", and "disregard". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "irreverence" a positive or negative trait?

Whether "irreverence" is positive or negative depends on the context. It can be seen as refreshing and liberating, or as offensive and inappropriate. It often challenges established norms and beliefs.