sheer reverence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer reverence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep and unqualified respect or admiration for someone or something. Example: "The audience watched the performance with sheer reverence, captivated by the artist's talent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I guess if there is one thing that impressed me about Ricky Jay, Kimmell says, "it was the sheer reverence he had for his craft and the people who came before him in it.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sheer fear, sheer terror.

Independent

Add Mr. Miller's two nominations in the oldest categories and it is impossible to ignore a reverence for sheer resilience in a youth-obsessed dumbed-down culture where going to the Broadway theater has taken on -- in Mr. Miller's words -- "an element of partygoing" that involves "a remote part of the brain".

The New York Times

His repetition of the phrase suggests an utter dissociation of moral judgment from aesthetic pleasure -- a tendency given free rein when he passes to a hushed reverence at "the sheer, astonishing, overwhelming demonstration of power, more like an act of God than man".

Huffington Post

But its sheer bulk bespeaks a sort of reverence, and it's clear from the way it's put together that there's not much Jobs did that Isaacson doesn't regard as vital to the historical record.

The Guardian - Books

But the photographer Afshin Shahidi's new book, "Prince: A Private View," conveys both doting reverence and, in its glossiness and sheer heft (more than two hundred and fifty photographs, about half of them previously unpublished), definitive authority.

The New Yorker

Intense, almost disembodied from his task, he narrated the familiar story with a wonder, reverence and urgency that held the audience spellbound, transported by the sheer beauty of his sound.

Independent

Lost on the River recalls the spontaneity and sheer love of music-making of the original, but it's not hamstrung by reverence or caution.

The Guardian - Music

What we said: "Lost on the River recalls the spontaneity and sheer love of music-making of the original, but it's not hamstrung by reverence or caution," wrote Jon Dennis, in the Guardian.

The Guardian - Music

He's an excellent choice of host, asking difficult questions despite his clear reverence for his subject, and it is impossible not to feel the contagion of his sheer pleasure in finding himself in such a situation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sheer illusion.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer reverence" to convey a strong, unqualified sense of respect or admiration, especially when highlighting the depth and sincerity of the feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer reverence" in casual or informal settings. Its formal tone can sound out of place if the situation doesn't warrant such a strong expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer reverence" functions as a descriptive expression, typically serving as an intensifier (sheer) modifying a noun (reverence). It describes a feeling or attitude of profound respect and admiration. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer reverence" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express deep, unqualified respect or admiration. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English. While not overly common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts and maintains a formal tone. When writing, reserve "sheer reverence" for situations where you want to convey a strong and sincere sense of respect, and consider alternatives like "profound admiration" or "absolute veneration" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute veneration

Replaces "reverence" with "veneration" to imply a more formal and profound respect.

deep veneration

Similar to "absolute veneration", but with a slightly less absolute connotation.

unqualified respect

Substitutes "sheer reverence" with a more direct expression of profound respect without limitations.

pure respect

Conveys a sense of unadulterated and genuine respect.

profound admiration

Replaces "reverence" with "admiration" to highlight the feeling of deep appreciation and respect.

complete respect

A more straightforward and less emotional way of expressing "sheer reverence".

utter awe

Emphasizes the feeling of overwhelming wonder and respect, focusing on the emotional impact.

extreme admiration

Highlights the intensity of admiration felt, making it a more emphatic alternative.

unmitigated awe

Similar to "utter awe", emphasizing the absence of any diminishing factors in the feeling of awe.

total devotion

Implies a strong sense of loyalty and dedication, going beyond simple respect.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer reverence" in a sentence?

You can use "sheer reverence" to describe a feeling of deep respect or admiration. For example: "The audience watched the performance with sheer reverence."

What phrases are similar to "sheer reverence"?

Similar phrases include "absolute veneration", "unqualified respect", and "profound admiration". These alternatives also convey a deep sense of respect or awe.

Is "sheer reverence" appropriate for informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "sheer reverence" is more suited for formal or serious contexts. In informal conversations, simpler expressions like "deep respect" or "great admiration" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "sheer reverence" and "great respect"?

"Sheer reverence" emphasizes the intensity and purity of the feeling, implying a more profound and complete respect than simply "great respect".