Etymology : Middle English, from Latin reverent-, reverens, present participle of revereri
Pronunciation : 'rev-r&nt, 're-v&-; 'r
Function : adjective
Date : 14th century
1. deeply respectful, deferential, showing veneration. reverent\rev"er*ent\ , a. [l. reverens, -entis, p. pr. of revereri. see:
revere.].
2. disposed to revere; impressed with reverence; submissive; humble; respectful; as, reverent disciples. "they prostrate fell before him reverent.".
3. expressing reverence, veneration, devotion, or submission; as, reverent words; reverent behavior.reverent adj.
4. feeling or showing profound respect or veneration; "maintained a reverent silence" [ant: irreverent].
5. showing great reverence for god; "a godly man"; "leading a godly life" [syn: godly, worshipful].
6. Disposed to revere; impressed with reverence; submissive; humble; respectful; as, reverent disciples.
7. Expressing reverence, veneration, devotion, or submission; as, reverent words; reverent behavior. feeling or showing profound respect or veneration; "maintained a reverent silence".
8. 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 ¡Ù irreverent + reverently rev·er·ent·ly He got up and took the book out almost reverently. showing a lot of respect and admiration  irreverent (present participle of revereri; REVERE).