'Reverence' definitions:

Definition of 'reverence'

(from WordNet)
noun
A feeling of profound respect for someone or something; "the fear of God"; "the Chinese reverence for the dead"; "the French treat food with gentle reverence"; "his respect for the law bordered on veneration" [syn: fear, reverence, awe, veneration]
noun
A reverent mental attitude [ant: irreverence]
noun
An act showing respect (especially a bow or curtsy)
verb
Regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of; "Fear God as your father"; "We venerate genius" [syn: reverence, fear, revere, venerate]

Definition of 'Reverence'

From: GCIDE
  • Reverence \Rev"er*ence\, n. [F. r['e]v['e]rence, L. reverentia. See Reverent.]
  • 1. Profound respect and esteem mingled with fear and affection, as for a holy being or place; the disposition to revere; veneration. [1913 Webster]
  • If thou be poor, farewell thy reverence. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • Reverence, which is the synthesis of love and fear. --Coleridge. [1913 Webster]
  • When discords, and quarrels, and factions, are carried openly and audaciously, it is a sign the reverence of government islost. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: Formerly, as in Chaucer, reverence denoted "respect" "honor", without awe or fear. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. The act of revering; a token of respect or veneration; an obeisance. [1913 Webster]
  • Make twenty reverences upon receiving . . . about twopence. --Goldsmith. [1913 Webster]
  • And each of them doeth all his diligence To do unto the feast reverence. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. That which deserves or exacts manifestations of reverence; reverend character; dignity; state. [1913 Webster]
  • I am forced to lay my reverence by. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. A person entitled to be revered; -- a title applied to priests or other ministers with the pronouns his or your; sometimes poetically to a father. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Save your reverence, Saving your reverence, an apologetical phrase for an unseemly expression made in the presence of a priest or clergyman.
  • Sir reverence, a contracted form of Save your reverence. [1913 Webster]
  • Such a one as a man may not speak of, without he say. "Sir reverence." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • To do reverence, to show reverence or honor; to perform an act of reverence. [1913 Webster]
  • Now lies he there, And none so poor to do him reverence. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: Awe; honor; veneration; adoration; dread.
  • Usage: Awe, Reverence, Dread, Veneration. Reverence is a strong sentiment of respect and esteem, sometimes mingled slightly with fear; as, reverence for the divine law. Awe is a mixed feeling of sublimity and dread in view of something great or terrible, sublime or sacred; as, awe at the divine presence. It does not necessarily imply love. Dread is an anxious fear in view of an impending evil; as, dread of punishment. Veneration is reverence in its strongest manifestations. It is the highest emotion we can exercise toward human beings. Exalted and noble objects produce reverence; terrific and threatening objects awaken dread; a sense of the divine presence fills us with awe; a union of wisdom and virtue in one who is advanced in years inspires us with veneration. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Reverence'

From: GCIDE
  • Reverence \Rev"er*ence\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reverenced; p. pr. & vb. n. Reverencing.] To regard or treat with reverence; to regard with respect and affection mingled with fear; to venerate. [1913 Webster]
  • Let . . . the wife see that she reverence her husband. --Eph. v. 33. [1913 Webster]
  • Those that I reverence those I fear, the wise. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'reverence'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Reverence'