The word ‘Revere’ (verb) means to feel or show deep respect, admiration, and awe for someone or something—often because of their character, wisdom, or sacred significance. In this guide, you’ll learn the full definition, synonyms, antonyms, etymology, and real-life example sentences for using ‘Revere’ correctly.
Revere Explained in Depth
A practical guide to the word Revere—including meaning, definition, examples, etymology, synonyms, and antonyms for everyday, academic, and professional writing.
Meanings of Revere
To revere someone or something means to regard them with intense respect, honor, and admiration. It goes beyond ordinary appreciation: there’s often a strong emotional connection and a sense that the person, idea, or tradition deserves special regard. For example, many people revere historical figures who stood for justice or sacrificed for others. You might also revere a teacher, elder, or tradition that shaped your values.
Definition:
Revere is defined as to regard someone or something with deep respect, often tinged with awe or veneration. It’s used when referring to people, symbols, or values that are greatly honored—whether in a cultural, moral, or spiritual sense. Unlike casual admiration, to revere someone means you hold them in very high esteem, sometimes as though they represent something sacred. This reverence shows up not just in what you think, but also in how you speak, behave, and practice traditions.
Etymology
- “Revere” comes from the Latin word “revereri”, meaning “to stand in awe of” or “to fear with respect.”
- It’s related to the idea of showing respectful fear toward something regarded as important, powerful, or sacred.
- In English usage, revere entered common vocabulary in the late Middle English to early Modern English period through religious and literary writing.
Originally, it carried the sense of respectful awe—something still reflected in how the word is used today to express high honor and serious veneration. If you’d like the related noun, see Reverence – meaning, definition, synonyms and antonyms.
Example Sentences:
- The students deeply revere their professor for her steady guidance and compassion.
- Many communities revere the founder’s teachings because they still shape local leadership.
- Generations of people have come to revere the Constitution as a foundation of freedom.
- She was revered by her community for a lifetime of selfless service.
- In the company, employees were encouraged to revere customer trust as a core value.
Revere Synonyms:
- Respectful (showing consideration and high regard)
- Venerate
- Honor
- Esteem
- Admire
- Reverence (noun-related usage)
- Regard highly
- Worship (when religious devotion is involved)
- Hold in high regard
- Look up to
Revere Antonyms:
- Despise
- Disrespect
- Dishonor
- Scorn
- Disregard
- Ridicule
- Mock
- Spurn
- Abhor
- Devalue
FAQs about Revere
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the word “Revere”.
1. What does it mean to “revere” someone?
To “revere” someone means to deeply respect and admire them—often to the point of treating them as highly honorable, and sometimes as sacred. It involves genuine admiration and may include traditional or ceremonial gestures of respect.
2. Is “revere” stronger than “respect”?
Yes. While “respect” can be polite, formal, or general, “revere” suggests deeper emotional and moral admiration—often closer to awe or veneration. For example, you might respect a manager, but revere a teacher, mentor, or national hero.
3. Can “revere” be used in a religious context?
Absolutely. Many religious practices involve revering deities, saints, scriptures, or sacred rituals. In that context, revere fits well when describing spiritual awe and devoted respect.
4. Is “revere” only used for people?
No. You can also revere ideas, places, symbols, or traditions. For example: “They revere the flag as a symbol of freedom,” or “He reveres the ancient teachings of his culture.”
5. How is “revere” different from “worship”?
| Word | Typical meaning |
|---|---|
| Revere | Deep respect and admiration, often serious awe or moral esteem (not always religious) |
| Worship | Religious devotion, usually involving prayer or rituals directed toward a deity |
Explore more R words:
- Positive words that start with R
- Negative words that start with R
- Adjectives words that start with R
- Nouns that start with R
- Verbs that start with R
Related vocabulary can help you choose the right tone: if you’re describing intense respect, compare reverence (the noun) with other R words like relish, which is closer to enjoying or appreciating something in a more everyday, non-awe sense.
