reverent

reverent
reverend, reverent, reverential
1. In its general meaning, reverend means ‘deserving reverence’, and is most often found in clerical contexts even when it is not a formal title, whereas reverent means ‘showing reverence’ in wider contexts:

• He also formed close links with the network of local Puritan ministers…whom he described in his will as ‘my reverend and pious friends’ —Dictionary of National Biography, 1993

• You can get away from the reverent hush of the concert hall —Times, 2005.

Reverential means ‘characterized by reverence’, and the main difference in meaning between it and reverent is that reverent describes a feeling or attitude and is judgemental whereas reverential denotes a connection with reverence and is informational:

• When she walked into a village the Africans would often clap their hands in a reverential way —W. Green, 1988.

2. Reverend, abbreviated Revd (no full stop) or Rev., is most commonly found as a title applied to certain members of the clergy.

Modern English usage. 2014.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Reverent — Rev er*ent, a. [L. reverens, entis, p. pr. of revereri. See {Revere}.] 1. Disposed to revere; impressed with reverence; submissive; humble; respectful; as, reverent disciples. They . . . prostrate fell before him reverent. Milton. [1913 Webster]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • reverent — index obeisant Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • reverent — (adj.) late 15c., from L. reverentem, prp. of revereri (see REVERENCE (Cf. reverence)). From 14c. through 17c., commonly also used for reverend (adj.). Related: Reverently …   Etymology dictionary

  • reverent — [adj] respectful admiring, appreciative, deferential, devout, dutiful, gracious, humble, obedient, obeisant, pious, polite, regardful, reverential, solemn, upholding, worshipping; concept 401 …   New thesaurus

  • reverent — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ showing reverence. DERIVATIVES reverential adjective reverently adverb …   English terms dictionary

  • reverent — [rev′ə rənt, rev′rənt] adj. [LME < L reverens, prp. of revereri: see REVERE1] feeling, showing, or characterized by reverence reverently adv …   English World dictionary

  • reverent — [[t]re̱vərənt[/t]] ADJ If you describe someone s behaviour as reverent, you mean that they are showing great respect for a person or thing. ...the reverent hush of a rapt audience... Ellen looks almost reverent. Ant: irreverent Derived words:… …   English dictionary

  • reverent — reverently, adv. reverentness, n. /rev euhr euhnt, rev reuhnt/, adj. feeling, exhibiting, or characterized by reverence; deeply respectful: a reverent greeting. [1350 1400; ME < L reverent (s. of reverens), prp. of revereri to REVERE1; see ENT] * …   Universalium

  • reverent — adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo French, from Latin reverent , reverens, present participle of revereri Date: 14th century expressing or characterized by reverence ; worshipful • reverently adverb …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • reverent — See reverend, reverent …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

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