rev.
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
A written abbreviation for 'reverend', used as a title before the name of a Christian cleric.
An abbreviation for 'revised', 'revision', 'revolution', or 'revenue', depending on context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a title. When indicating other meanings (e.g., revised, revolution), it's typically part of a compound or specific phrase (e.g., Rev. Ed., engine revs).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in clerical usage. In publishing, 'Rev. Ed.' (Revised Edition) is common in both. In mechanics, 'revs' (revolutions per minute) is informal in both.
Connotations
Formal and respectful when used as a title. Technical/informal when referring to engine revolutions.
Frequency
Common in written contexts (church bulletins, formal addresses, book imprints).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The + Rev. + (Title) + First Name + SurnameRev. + SurnameRev. + Noun (e.g., Ed.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep the revs up”
- “Drop the revs”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in 'Rev.' for 'Revenue' in financial reports.
Academic
Used in citations for revised editions (Rev. Ed.).
Everyday
Primarily in formal writing or when referring to clergy.
Technical
In mechanics, 'revs' for revolutions per minute (RPM).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He revved the engine noisily.
- The driver revved up before the race.
American English
- Don't rev the motor in neutral.
- She revved the car to warm it up.
adjective
British English
- Please consult the Rev. edition.
- He is a Rev. gentleman.
American English
- Refer to the Rev. version.
- She spoke with the Rev. committee.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is Rev. Brown.
- We met Rev. Jones at the church.
- The engine makes a sound when it revs.
- The Rev. Dr. Martin will deliver the sermon.
- The manual refers to the Rev. Ed. of the textbook.
- The parish welcomed the newly appointed Rev. Alexandra P. Clarke.
- Financial analysts noted a downturn in overall rev.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'REV'erent - someone worthy of reverence, hence Reverend.
Conceptual Metaphor
TITLE IS A SHORTHAND (A compressed form of respect/identification).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'рев' (roar, howl).
- In clerical context, it's not directly equivalent to 'священник' but a title like 'преподобный'.
- Avoid using 'рев.' as an abbreviation in Russian texts.
Common Mistakes
- Writing 'Rev' without the period.
- Using 'Rev.' informally for 'review'.
- Incorrect capitalization, e.g., 'the rev. Smith'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'rev.' NOT typically stand for 'reverend'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'Rev.' is used as a title for ordained clergy regardless of gender (e.g., Rev. Sarah Jones).
No, when used as a title, you pronounce the full word 'Reverend'.
'The Rev.' (with 'The') is the more traditional and formal form, especially in British English. 'Rev.' is also acceptable.
Yes, in different contexts: 'revised' (Rev. Ed.), 'revolutions' (engine revs), or 'revenue' (company revs).