undue reverence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undue reverence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an excessive or inappropriate level of respect or admiration for someone or something. Example: "The critics argued that the film displayed an undue reverence for its historical figures, glossing over their flaws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

They aren't scornful of the building's history; nor do they treat it with undue reverence.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Harbison may have looked back too often, thus becalming his new piece with an undue reverence for the original.

The New York Times - Arts

Norton; 606 pages; $39.95 and £28Despite hopeful beginnings in the 19th century, undue reverence for European masterworks and adulation for star performers have increasingly marginalised American classical music.

The Economist

Kildea, whose new biography avoids undue reverence, is right to characterize "Young Apollo," a piano-and-strings piece from 1939, as "thin, gaudy".

The New Yorker

In assembling such a cohesive account of Sheldon's life, Phillips has produced a kind of photo-negative of an archetypal Tiptree story: instead of scrupulously withholding details from the reader until the last possible moment, she doles them out generously, without excessive editorializing or undue reverence for her subject.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Treating classic albums with due reverence?

The Guardian - Music

And on the other, there is the strange over-reverence, where films that are acutely flawed (35 Shots of Rum) or stodgily conventional (Mesrine) enjoy undue attention in a market where plenty of good films from elsewhere in Europe go unseen.

The Guardian - Film

Undue influence?

The Economist

And "undue influence".

The New York Times - Books

What's an "undue burden"?

The New Yorker

"Does he have undue influence?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undue reverence" to critique situations where admiration or respect overshadows critical evaluation or necessary changes. It's effective when implying that something is being preserved or treated with more importance than it warrants.

Common error

Avoid using "undue reverence" simply to mean "respect" or "admiration". The phrase carries a critical connotation, suggesting the respect is excessive and misplaced. Using it incorrectly can weaken your argument or misrepresent your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undue reverence" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a state of excessive or inappropriate respect, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples where it's used to critique biases or stagnation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undue reverence" is a noun phrase used to critique excessive or inappropriate respect, hindering objectivity or progress. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usefulness in written English. While infrequent, the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. Alternative expressions include "excessive respect" or "inappropriate admiration", which may suit different nuances. When employing this phrase, be sure that your intent is to express critique, and that you don't merely intend to say respect or admiration as this phrase carries a critical connotation. Always make sure it is used with caution to effectively convey the intended sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive respect

Focuses on the degree of respect being too high, omitting the nuance of appropriateness.

inappropriate admiration

Emphasizes the unsuitability of the admiration, rather than its excessiveness.

unwarranted veneration

Highlights that the veneration is not justified or deserved.

exaggerated esteem

Focuses on the overblown nature of the positive regard.

overblown respect

Similar to "excessive respect" but with a stronger sense of exaggeration.

disproportionate admiration

Indicates that the level of admiration is not in proportion to the object's worth.

unmerited adulation

Stresses that the adulation is not deserved or earned.

unjustified respect

Emphasizes the lack of justification for the respect given.

over-the-top adulation

Suggests an extreme and theatrical level of adulation.

excessive deference

Highlights the excessive yielding to another's judgment or opinion.

FAQs

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

You can use "undue reverence" to describe situations where something is treated with too much respect or admiration, hindering progress or critical evaluation. For example, "The report criticized the company's "undue reverence" for tradition, which stifled innovation."

What phrases can I use instead of "undue reverence"?

Alternatives to "undue reverence" include "excessive respect", "inappropriate admiration", or "unwarranted veneration". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "undue respect" or "undue reverence"?

While both phrases suggest an excessive amount of respect, "undue reverence" carries a stronger connotation of misplaced or inappropriate respect, often suggesting a near-worshipful attitude. "Undue respect" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "reverence" and "undue reverence"?

"Reverence" simply means deep respect or admiration. Adding "undue" implies that the reverence is excessive, inappropriate, or hinders objective assessment. It introduces a critical perspective.