right reverend: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Religious, Official
Quick answer
What does “right reverend” mean?
A formal title of respect for a bishop in the Anglican Church and some other Christian denominations, used before a bishop's name.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal title of respect for a bishop in the Anglican Church and some other Christian denominations, used before a bishop's name.
The term can also refer collectively to the office or status of a bishop and, by metonymy, to the individual who holds that office. It is a mark of high ecclesiastical authority and seniority within a hierarchical church structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical in both varieties, as the term is tied to specific Christian denominations (Anglican/Episcopal). In the UK, it's standard for Anglican bishops. In the US, it is used for Episcopal bishops and some other mainline Protestant bishops.
Connotations
Connotes tradition, formality, and established church hierarchy. No significant difference in connotation between UK and US usage.
Frequency
Marginally more frequent in the UK due to the established status of the Church of England.
Grammar
How to Use “right reverend” in a Sentence
[The] Right Reverend + [Title] + [Personal Name] (e.g., The Right Reverend Dr John Smith)Refer to + the Right Reverend + [Name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “right reverend” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Right Reverend bishop will lead the service.
American English
- We await the Right Reverend official's decision.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or sociological texts discussing church hierarchy and titles.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Used only in formal contexts related to specific church events or communications.
Technical
Used in ecclesiastical documents, formal correspondence, liturgical rubrics, and official church announcements.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “right reverend”
- Writing it in lower case ('right reverend').
- Using it without 'the' before the title (e.g., 'I met Right Reverend Smith').
- Using 'Reverend' alone for a bishop, which is incorrect protocol.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a title used before a name in writing and formal listing. In direct speech, a bishop is addressed as 'Bishop' or 'My Lord/Lady Bishop'.
It is commonly abbreviated as 'Rt Rev.' or 'Rt. Rev.', e.g., Rt Rev. Jane Doe.
No. It is specific to bishops. Other clergy have different titles, such as 'Reverend' for priests and 'Very Reverend' for deans.
No, the title is gender-neutral. A female bishop is also styled 'the Right Reverend'.
A formal title of respect for a bishop in the Anglican Church and some other Christian denominations, used before a bishop's name.
Right reverend is usually formal, religious, official in register.
Right reverend: in British English it is pronounced /ˌraɪt ˈrevərənd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌraɪt ˈrevərənd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this title]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The 'Right' person to show 'Reverence' to in the church hierarchy.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS ELEVATED POSITION / RESPECT IS A TITLE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the title 'Right Reverend' most appropriately used?