veneration

noun

ven·​er·​a·​tion ˌve-nə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: respect or awe inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person

2

: the act of venerating

3

: the condition of one that is venerated

Examples of veneration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those who attend the events on the tour will have the chance to see Aquinas' skull encased in a reliquary, a special container used for the storing and veneration of relics. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024

More psychological study than devotional image, this work does not invite veneration so much as reflection on the actors’ motivations, anticipating later definitions of painting as a medium for pleasurable (rather than purposeful) contemplation. —Christian K. Kleinbub, ARTnews.com, 29 Oct. 2024

For O’Keeffe, the Shelton was a sublime object, commanding both fear and veneration. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 12 Sep. 2024

In anthropology, fetishism refers to the veneration of inanimate objects. —Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English veneracioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French veneratiun, borrowed from Latin venerātiōn-, venerātiō "act of soliciting the good will (of a deity), demonstration of respect or awe," from venerārī "to solicit the good will of (a deity), hold in awe, venerate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

veneration

noun

ven·​er·​a·​tion ˌven-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act of venerating : the state of being venerated

2

: a feeling of deep respect