reverence
UK[ˈrevərəns]US[ˈrevərəns]
n
a feeling of profound respect and admiration mixed with awe or fear.
v
to regard or treat with deep respect and awe.
Morpheme Breakdown
rever
ence
rever
to stand in awe
ence
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'reverence' originates from the latin verb revereri, which itself is composed of the intensive prefix re- and the verb vereri, meaning 'to fear, respect, or stand in awe of'. this latin root conveys a sense of profound, almost fearful respect. the suffix -entia was added to form the noun reverentia, denoting the state or quality of feeling such awe. entering english via old french in the 13th century, the term evolved to describe deep respect or veneration, particularly in religious or formal contexts, while retaining its core association with a respectful fear towards something sacred or exalted.
Analysis
Structure: rever (to stand in awe) + ence (noun suffix)
rever (from latin revereri, meaning 'to stand in awe of, fear, respect'), ence (from latin -entia, a noun-forming suffix denoting a state or quality).
Examples
she held the ancient artifact with great reverence.
the students listened to the elder's stories with reverence.
the ceremony was conducted in an atmosphere of deep reverence.