veneration

noun

ven·​er·​a·​tion ˌve-nə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce veneration (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Thanks in no small part to Rolling Stone, the absolute veneration of the rock star was made into an acceptable attitude for young males, and with this veneration came various cults of personality (rock star as Dionysian overlord, Blakean visionary, Byronic aristo). Stephen Metcalf, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for veneration 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of veneration was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near veneration

Cite this Entry

“Veneration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veneration. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

veneration

noun
ven·​er·​a·​tion ˌven-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce veneration (audio)
1
: the act of venerating : the state of being venerated
2
: a feeling of deep respect
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