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

Since the film’s release, last November, critics have been divided over whether Prieto was too reverent toward Rulfo’s work. —Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025

The performance is soft and delicate, with the few people in attendance affording Gibson the reverent silence that was so lacking in Austin. —Matthew Ismael Ruiz, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2024

And last fall, Hurley played a set to a hushed, reverent audience at the annual Brooklyn Folk Festival. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025

Sometimes, the most loving creations are the least reverent. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 July 2024

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