reverent

USAGE SUMMARY

'reverent' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe an attitude of deep respect and admiration for someone or something. For example: "She spoke with a reverent tone as she discussed her grandfather's achievements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The essence of reverence cannot be conferred on reverent actions by the gods' approval of them; their approval, rather, must follow on their partaking of the essential nature of reverence.

SEP

We are left to speculate about what would count as stating the essence of reverence; probably it would state what makes things reverent in the way that having three straight sides and three angles makes a plane figure a triangle, while giving delight to geometers does not.

SEP

The answer must identify a feature that (1) belongs to every kind of reverence (generality requirement), and (2) to nothing that is not reverent (exclusion requirement), and (3) has explanatory power.

SEP

Socrates seems to assume in these works that knowledge of definitions has priority in two ways: (1) One must know what reverence is before one could know of any particular action that it is reverent (whether, for example, it is reverent to prosecute one's father), and so for the other virtues and other cases.

SEP

According to Steingarten, one November Thompson provided his readers with a turkey recipe so elaborate it passed into mythology, cooks speaking of it in such reverent tones it was as if they'd joined a cult.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The "arts" conjures up images of committees of bores, worthily reverent exegesis, the horrors of dance, the misfit between opera and even a 42-inch screen, and ancient avant-gardist cliches – "ahead of its time", "ground-breaking", "controversial".

The Guardian - Opinion

"Because these plays are at the centre of our culture, we have a very passive relationship with them," he argues, adding that because other countries have a freer, less reverent attitude to Shakespeare they often produce more interesting productions of the plays than we do.

The Guardian

Heads, he wins; tails, Mr Balls loses.A plan written in jellyThe irony is that, though he speaks of his "economic plan" in reverent tones, Mr Osborne has in fact proved rather flexible.

The Economist

Automated lifts whizz cars about before sending them off to a cathedral-like hall to be collected by reverent buyers.

The Economist

The best balm to this resentment, paradoxically, is the queen, for whom Commonwealth leaders show an almost reverent regard.

The Economist

God had other plans.His idolising by the Victorians, and a reverent biography written soon after his death by Izaak Walton, have encouraged a view of Herbert as a tranquil soul.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reverent" to describe attitudes or behaviors that demonstrate deep respect, especially in religious, historical, or cultural contexts. For instance, describing a "reverent" silence during a memorial service conveys the somber respect of the attendees.

Common error

Avoid using "reverent" when you mean "reverend". "Reverent" is an adjective describing a feeling or action, while "reverend" is a title for a member of the clergy. For example, say "the audience was reverent" not "the audience was reverend".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "reverent" primarily functions to describe an attitude, feeling, or action characterized by deep respect and awe. It often modifies nouns to indicate the presence of such profound respect, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "reverent" describes a feeling or action that shows deep respect and is considered grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is frequently found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal tone. To use it effectively, remember that "reverent" describes the feeling or action, while "reverend" is a title. Alternative phrases include "respectful" and "worshipful".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectful

A more general term indicating politeness and consideration.

revering

Feeling or showing deep respect.

worshipful

Implies a deep admiration and devotion, often in a religious context.

awestruck

Conveys a feeling of being filled with awe and wonder.

deferential

Shows courteous regard or respect.

venerating

Treating someone or something with deep respect and reverence.

admiring

Expressing approval or respect.

with great admiration

Expressing a high regard for someone or something.

pious

Deeply religious and showing reverence to God.

solemn

Characterized by deep sincerity.

FAQs

How can I use "reverent" in a sentence?

"Reverent" describes a feeling or action showing deep respect. For example, "The historian approached the ancient manuscript with a "reverent" attitude" or "The congregation maintained a "reverent" silence during the prayer."

What are some alternatives to "reverent"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "respectful", "worshipful", or "admiring". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "reverent" and "reverend"?

"Reverent" is an adjective meaning feeling or showing deep respect, while "reverend" is a title used for a member of the clergy. They are not interchangeable.

Is it appropriate to use "reverent" in a non-religious context?

Yes, "reverent" can be used in non-religious contexts to describe a deep respect or admiration for something. For example, you might describe someone as having a "reverent" appreciation for classical music or a "reverent" attitude towards historical artifacts.