reverend mother: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “reverend mother” mean?
The title for the superior or leader of a community of nuns in certain Christian traditions, particularly within Catholicism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The title for the superior or leader of a community of nuns in certain Christian traditions, particularly within Catholicism.
A term of deep respect and authority for the woman who governs a convent or religious house; can be used metaphorically to describe a matriarchal figure of great moral or spiritual authority in non-religious contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. The term is used in religious contexts in both regions.
Connotations
Conveys solemnity, hierarchical church structure, and spiritual authority. May evoke imagery from traditional religious life.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specific religious communities and related literature/media.
Grammar
How to Use “reverend mother” in a Sentence
[Reverend Mother] + [verb of declaration/command] (e.g., Reverend Mother announced...)[Address/Appeal to] + [Reverend Mother] (e.g., We must ask Reverend Mother)[Subject] + [be] + [under/in] + [Reverend Mother's] + [noun] (e.g., She is in Reverend Mother's charge).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reverend mother” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or sociological studies of religious institutions.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside of direct address within a convent or among its associates.
Technical
A specific ecclesiastical title within canon law and the governance of religious orders.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reverend mother”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reverend mother”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reverend mother”
- Using 'Reverend Mother' as a common noun without the article 'the' or capitalization (e.g., 'She is a reverend mother').
- Confusing it with 'Mother Superior', which is a role, while 'Reverend Mother' is a title for that role.
- Using it to refer to any elderly or respected nun who is not the superior.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The role is 'Mother Superior'. 'Reverend Mother' is a formal title of address and reference for the woman holding that role, similar to how 'President' is a role and 'Mr. President' is a title.
It is highly uncommon. The title is predominantly associated with Catholic nuns and some Anglican/Episcopalian religious orders. Most Protestant denominations do not have an equivalent hierarchical structure for women religious.
Yes, when used as a specific title, similar to 'Prime Minister' or 'President'. It is often capitalized even when used alone as a form of address, not just before a name.
No, it is not standard. The term is used as a unique title for a specific person in a specific community (e.g., 'the Reverend Mother'). You would not say 'a Reverend Mother' just as you would not say 'a Queen Elizabeth'.
The title for the superior or leader of a community of nuns in certain Christian traditions, particularly within Catholicism.
Reverend mother is usually formal, ecclesiastical in register.
Reverend mother: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrev.ər.ənd ˈmʌð.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrev.ər.ənd ˈmʌð.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As wise as a Reverend Mother”
- “To have the patience of a Reverend Mother (used humorously or hyperbolically)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'revered' (highly respected) 'mother' figure who leads a religious family.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY IS PARENTAL AUTHORITY (The convent is a family, the superior is the mother).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'Reverend Mother' be most appropriately used?