reverent

adjective

rev·​er·​ent ˈrev-rənt 

ˈre-və-;

ˈre-vərnt

: expressing or characterized by reverence : worshipful

reverently adverb

Examples of reverent in a Sentence

a reverent crowd of worshippers

a reverent tone of voice

Recent Examples on the Web

The state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter featured a number of reverent tributes to the nation’s 39th commander-in-chief. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Jan. 2025

His live version from Live at Sin-e is a reverent prayer, as spiritual, sensual and truthful as any song will ever hear. —Steve Baltin, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Lying underneath a reverent mural of George Washington, Carter’s casket was surrounded by a silent crowd of mourners and military guards. —Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025

Linda laments, Sonny amplifies and witnesses her in a reverent tone, a slanted echo, and Milford Graves on drums keeps their pulse and helps shake the tensions loose. —Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin reverent-, reverens, present participle of reverērī "to stand in awe of, revere entry 1"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reverent

• irreverent

Kids Definition

reverent

adjective

rev·​er·​ent ˈrev-(ə-)rənt 

ˈrev-ərnt

: very respectful : showing reverence

reverently adverb