reverential
Showing profound respect
Reverential describes showing deep respect or veneration: a reverential tone, reverential silence in the cathedral.
The word suggests awe mixed with humility—the attitude one might bring to sacred spaces, revered figures, or treasured traditions.
He spoke of his grandfather in reverential terms.
Yielding to another's judgment
- modestyAbsence of vanity
- meeknessGentle, unassertive disposition
- self-effacementDownplaying one's importance
- submissivenessDisposition to obey others
contriteness · penitence · humbleness · lowliness · obsequiousness · prostration · bowed · genuflecting
Religious reverence and praise
- faithTrust without proof
- pietySincere religious devotion
- prayerAddress to deity
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
spirituality · fervor · dedication · observance · sacredness · sanctity · holiness · ritual
Showing humble submission
- respectfulShowing proper regard
- courteousShowing respectful consideration
- admiringFeeling respect and approval
- esteemingRegarding with respect
appreciative · honorific · dutiful · decorous · gracious · tactful · considerate · formal
Reverent fear and wonder
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- awe-inspiringEvoking reverential wonder
- sublimeAwe-inspiring greatness
- transcendenceSurpassing usual limits
amazement · astonishment · majestic · breathtaking · grandeur · marvel · overwhelming · magnificent
Serious and dignified
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- gravitasDignified, weighty manner
- processionFormal moving line
- contemplationSustained reflective attention
meditation · liturgy · incense · chapel · monastery · pilgrimage · sacred · tranquil
deference
Yielding to another's judgment
- modestyAbsence of vanity
- meeknessGentle, unassertive disposition
- self-effacementDownplaying one's importance
submissiveness · contriteness · penitence · humbleness · lowliness · obsequiousness · prostration · bowed · genuflecting · supplicant
worship
Religious reverence and praise
devotion · spirituality · fervor · dedication · observance · sacredness · sanctity · holiness · ritual · altar
deferential
Showing humble submission
- respectfulShowing proper regard
- courteousShowing respectful consideration
- admiringFeeling respect and approval
esteeming · appreciative · honorific · dutiful · decorous · gracious · tactful · considerate · formal · ceremonious
awe
Reverent fear and wonder
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- awe-inspiringEvoking reverential wonder
- sublimeAwe-inspiring greatness
transcendence · amazement · astonishment · majestic · breathtaking · grandeur · marvel · overwhelming · magnificent · hushed
solemn
Serious and dignified
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- gravitasDignified, weighty manner
- processionFormal moving line
contemplation · meditation · liturgy · incense · chapel · monastery · pilgrimage · sacred · tranquil · hushed
reverentialirreverent
Disrespectful toward authority
disrespectful · contemptuous · scornful · disdainful · blasphemous