veneration
Profound respectful devotion
Veneration is deep respect or reverence, typically directed toward something sacred, ancient, or of exceptional worth.
The word carries religious overtones—saints receive veneration, as do relics and holy sites.
But veneration extends to secular contexts: veneration for the Constitution, veneration of ancestors.
The feeling suggests more than admiration; it implies awe and a sense of the object's elevated status.
Deep, loyal commitment
- homageExpression of deep respect
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
- prayerAddress to deity
- altarSacred ritual table
shrine · incense · pilgrimage · liturgy · sanctuary · faithful · chanting · offering
Favorable opinion of worth
- deferenceYielding to another's judgment
- regardAttentive consideration given
- admirationDeep respect felt
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
tribute · homage · acknowledgment · recognition · dignity · distinction · prestige · salute
Official declaration of sainthood
- beatificationDeclaring someone among blessed
- hagiographyIdealized biographical writing
- martyrVictim for beliefs
- relicPreserved ancient object
intercession · sainthood · blessed · sanctification · cult · hallowed · patron · feast day
Thing preserving remembrance
- offeringsThings presented or given
- shrineSacred devotional place
- lineageDescent from progenitors
- remembranceAct of holding something in mind
filial piety · altar · tradition · spirits · burial · funeral rites · joss paper · tomb sweeping
Amazement or curiosity
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- sublimeAwe-inspiring greatness
- transcendenceSurpassing usual limits
- marvelAstonishing thing or feeling
majesty · grandeur · breathtaking · sacred · numinous · ineffable · holy · divine presence
devotion
Deep, loyal commitment
altar · shrine · incense · pilgrimage · liturgy · sanctuary · faithful · chanting · offering · prostration
esteem
Favorable opinion of worth
- deferenceYielding to another's judgment
- regardAttentive consideration given
- admirationDeep respect felt
honor · tribute · homage · acknowledgment · recognition · dignity · distinction · prestige · salute · bow
canonization
Official declaration of sainthood
- beatificationDeclaring someone among blessed
- hagiographyIdealized biographical writing
- martyrVictim for beliefs
relic · intercession · sainthood · blessed · sanctification · cult · hallowed · patron · feast day · shrine
memorial
Thing preserving remembrance
remembrance · filial piety · altar · tradition · spirits · burial · funeral rites · joss paper · tomb sweeping · libation
wonder
Amazement or curiosity
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- sublimeAwe-inspiring greatness
- transcendenceSurpassing usual limits
marvel · majesty · grandeur · breathtaking · sacred · numinous · ineffable · holy · divine presence · mysterium
- Idolatryidol worship, false gods, idol, graven image, graven images
- Orthodox Liturgytypikon, lectionary, psalter, gospel book, hours
- OrthodoxyEastern Orthodoxy, church fathers, Nicene Creed, synods, unction
- phrenologycraniology, acquisitiveness, adhesiveness, benevolence, cautiousness
- CatholicismVatican, cardinals, pope, Holy Communion, popes
- sacredholy, sacred, sanctity, sacredness, holiness
venerationcontempt
Disdainful disregard
scorn · disdain · disrespect · loathing · derision
venerationdesecration
Violating something sacred
profanation · sacrilege · blasphemy · defilement · irreverence
- ancestor venerationReligious devotion to lineage