Reverence Meaning
/ˈɹɛv.ə.ɹəns/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounVeneration; profound awe and respect, normally in a sacred context.
nounAn act of showing respect, such as a bow.
Sentence Examples
We should hold old people in reverence.
I felt profound reverence for the courageous mother.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The students showed great ____ for their beloved teacher on retirement day.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She approached the ancient temple with a sense of deep ____, aware of its centuries of history.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English reverence (noun) and reverencen (verb), from Old French reverence and Latin reverentia, from Latin revereor (“to stand in awe, respect, revere”), from re- + vereor, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *wer- (“to cover, heed, notice”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Professional hunters and trackers die too, in the pursuit of dangerous animals every year. Stones and his client voice reverence for what they call “fair chase”: an ethical distinction observed in certain sporting circles in which the quarry is felt to have a sporting chance of survival."
— 2026 April 21, Cal Flyn, “On the trail with the hunters who believe shooting big game can save Africa’s wildlife”, in The Guardian:
"When discords, and quarrels, and factions, are carried openly and audaciously, it is a sign the reverence of government is lost."
— 1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Seditions and Troubles”, in The Essayes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Iohn Haviland for Hanna Barret, →OCLC:
"Thou hast so wrong'd mine innocent child and me
That I am forced to lay my reverence by."
— 1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]:
"I reverence every precept / And promise in Thy word"
— 2021, Bryan Fowler, Grayson Kessenich, Shane Barnard, “My Portion”, in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, Vol. 1, performed by Shane & Shane:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The students showed great ____ for their beloved teacher on retirement day.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She approached the ancient temple with a sense of deep ____, aware of its centuries of history.