reverend
UK[ˈrevərənd]US[ˈrevərənd]
adj
(used as a title or form of address for members of the christian clergy)
n
a member of the christian clergy.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
ver
end
re
intensive
ver
truth
end
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word reverend originates from the latin gerundive 'reverendus', which means 'deserving to be revered'. it is formed from the verb 'revereri', meaning 'to revere or respect', which itself is a compound of the intensive prefix 're-' and the root 'vereri', meaning 'to fear or stand in awe of'. this root is related to 'verus' (true), suggesting a deep, genuine respect for what is true or sacred. over time, the term was adopted into english as an ecclesiastical title, specifically denoting a member of the clergy who is worthy of reverence and respect due to their sacred office.
Analysis
Structure: re (intensive) + ver (truth) + end (adjective suffix)
re- (latin prefix, meaning 'again' or 'intensive'); ver (latin root from 'verus', meaning 'true'); -end (latin suffix forming gerundive adjectives, implying 'deserving to be').
Examples
the ceremony was conducted by the reverend john smith.
she wrote a letter to the reverend mother of the convent.
several local reverends attended the interfaith council meeting.