irreverence
UK[ɪˈrev.ər.əns]US[ɪˈrev.ɚ.əns]
n
a lack of respect for people, customs, or beliefs that are generally taken seriously
n
behavior or speech that shows such a lack of respect
Morpheme Breakdown
ir
rever
ence
ir
not
rever
respect, awe
ence
state or quality
Etymology
the word 'irreverence' is a direct borrowing from latin 'irreverentia,' which itself is a compound formed within the language. it is built from the negative prefix 'in-' (becoming 'ir-' before 'r'), the verb 'revereri' meaning "to stand in awe of, respect, or fear," and the abstract noun suffix '-entia.' the core concept of 'revereri' combines 're-' (an intensive prefix) with 'vereri' (to fear, respect), tracing back to a proto-indo-european root related to being aware or cautious. thus, the literal construction "the state of not standing in awe" evolved into the modern english abstract noun denoting a disrespectful attitude or behavior towards something considered sacred or venerable.
Analysis
Structure: ir (not) + rever (respect, awe) + ence (state or quality)
- ir: latin origin, a prefix meaning "not" or "without," an assimilated form of 'in-' before 'r'.
- rever: from latin 'revereri' (to revere, respect, fear), a bound root meaning "to respect" or "to stand in awe of."
- ence: latin origin, a noun-forming suffix (from '-entia') indicating a state, quality, or condition.
Examples
his irreverence for tradition often got him into trouble with the senior members.
the comedy show was praised for its clever irreverence but criticized by some for going too far.
a certain irreverence for authority is common among teenagers.