reverential

adjective

rev·​er·​en·​tial ˌre-və-ˈren(t)-shəl 

1

: expressing or having a quality of reverence

reverential awe

2

: inspiring reverence

reverentially

ˌre-və-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of reverential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of the press has called me negatively reverential to Maria Callas. —Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Nov. 2024

How reverential can anyone find the job after this? —Will Leitch, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2024

Add in the implicit expectation that players should be respectful and reverential to their forebears, and Raducanu’s apparent indifference to Murray’s achievements jarred in a sport where the standard practice is to big up those who went before. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024

The most famous trial lawyer of his time, Clarence Darrow inspired reverential biographies, stage plays and performances from some of the 20th century’s greatest actors. —Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin reverentiālis, from Latin reverentia reverence entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

reverential

adjective

rev·​er·​en·​tial ˌrev-ə-ˈren-chəl 

1

: showing or having a quality of reverence

2

: inspiring reverence

reverentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb