reverence

plural reverences

1. countableuncountableVeneration; profound awe and respect, normally in a sacred context.

   Professional hunters and trackers die too, in the pursuit of dangerous animals every year. Stones and his client voice reverence for what they call “fair chase”: an ethical distinction observed in certain sporting circles in which the quarry is felt to have a sporting chance of survival.

   2026 April 21, Cal Flyn, “On the trail with the hunters who believe shooting big game can save Africa’s wildlife”, in The Guardian

2. countableuncountableAn act of showing respect, such as a bow.

   August 2, 1758, Oliver Goldsmith, A Letter from a Traveller Make twenty reverences upon receiving […] about twopence.

3. countableuncountableThe state of being revered.

   When discords, and quarrels, and factions, are carried openly and audaciously, it is a sign the reverence of government is lost.

   1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Seditions and Troubles”, in The Essayes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Iohn Haviland for Hanna Barret, →OCLC

4. countableuncountableA form of address for some members of the clergy.

   Your Reverence

5. countableuncountableThat which deserves or exacts manifestations of reverence; reverend character; dignity; state.

   Thou hast so wrong'd mine innocent child and me That I am forced to lay my reverence by.

   1598–1599 (first performance), William Shakespeare, “Much Adoe about Nothing”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]

present singular third person reverences · participle present reverencing · participle past reverenced · past reverenced

1. transitiveTo show or feel reverence to.

   I reverence every precept / And promise in Thy word

   2021, Bryan Fowler, Grayson Kessenich, Shane Barnard, “My Portion”, in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, Vol. 1, performed by Shane & Shane

   Synonyms: honour, venerate