reverence

¹rev·er·ence

noun
\ˈrev-rən(t)s, ˈre-və-; ˈre-vərn(t)s\

Definition of REVERENCE

1

: honor or respect felt or shown : deference; especially : profound adoring awed respect

2

: a gesture of respect (as a bow)

3

: the state of being revered

4

: one held in reverence —used as a title for a clergyman

Examples of REVERENCE

1. Her poems are treated with reverence by other poets.
2. Their religion has a deep reverence for nature.
3. The national pickle dish, kimchi, is held in such reverence that Seoul boasts a museum devoted entirely to its 160 different varieties. —The Encyclopedia of Herbs, Spices, & Flavorings, 1992
4. Reverence for or worship of the dead is found in all societies, because belief in life after death is universal. —World Religions, 1983
5. He took the command of this small party at once—the little girl and the little boy following him about with great reverence at such times as he condescended to sport with them. —William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, 1848

Origin of REVERENCE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin reverentia, from reverent-, reverens respectful, reverent

First Known Use: 14th century