revere
C1/C2Formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
To feel deep respect, admiration, or awe for someone or something.
To regard with profound, often religious, respect and devotion. Often implies the object is seen as sacred, heroic, or of great moral authority.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used for historical, religious, or iconic figures. The feeling is more intense than simple 'respect' and closer to 'veneration'. It is not typically used for contemporary admiration (e.g., for a pop star).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used with equal formality and semantic range in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally formal, elevated, and somewhat old-fashioned in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in historical/patriotic contexts (e.g., 'revere the Founding Fathers').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] reveres [object][subject] is revered as [noun phrase][object] is revered by [subject]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hold in reverence”
- “a revered figure”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in PR: 'a revered brand', 'a revered industry pioneer'.
Academic
Used in history, religious studies, literature: 'The poet is revered for her innovative style.'
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Might appear in documentaries or formal speeches.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The villagers still revere the old knight.
- He is revered as the father of modern physics.
- We should revere our natural heritage.
American English
- Americans revere the principles in the Constitution.
- She is revered for her charitable work.
- The team reveres its legendary coach.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; use 'reverently' instead) He spoke reverently of his mentor.
American English
- (Not standard; use 'reverently' instead) They gazed reverently at the monument.
adjective
British English
- The revered professor gave his final lecture.
- A revered institution like the NHS faces new challenges.
American English
- The revered general's statue stands in the park.
- He visited the revered battle site.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Many people revere their grandparents.
- The old king was revered by his people.
- The scientist is revered for her discoveries that saved millions of lives.
- In some cultures, ancestors are deeply revered.
- The founding document of the nation is rightly revered, though its historical context is complex.
- She is not merely respected in her field; she is genuinely revered.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of REVERE and REVEREND. A REVEREND is a religious figure you are meant to REVERE.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESPECT/ADMIRATION IS A HIGH POSITION (e.g., 'look up to', 'hold in high esteem').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'обращаться' (to refer).
- Не означает просто 'уважать' (to respect) – это более сильное, почтительное чувство.
- Может неправильно переводиться как 'преклоняться' (только в религиозном контексте).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing spelling: 'revere' vs. 'reverse'.
- Using it for casual liking: 'I revere this new TV show.' (Incorrect – too strong).
- Wrong preposition: 'revere to' (Correct: 'revere' + direct object).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'revere' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary noun is 'reverence'. Example: 'They treated the artefact with great reverence.'
No. It is a formal, literary word. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say 'really respect', 'look up to', or 'admire'.
Yes, it can be used ironically or sarcastically to imply excessive or undeserved admiration. Example: 'He seems to revere his car more than his family.'
'Worship' is stronger and is specifically associated with religious devotion to a deity. 'Revere' is deep respect that can be secular (e.g., for a hero or an ideal). You worship God, but you revere a great leader.