WordGarden.ioreverend
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈɛvərˌɛnd/
US
- /ˈrɛvərənd/
Meanings
Adjective
used as a title before the name of a Christian clergy member
worthy of deep respect or reverence
Noun
a member of the clergy, especially a Protestant minister
Beyond the definition
This word is mostly used as a respectful title for Christian clergy, such as ministers, pastors, and priests. You will often see it before a name or in phrases like "the Reverend Smith." The word originally meant "worthy of deep respect," and that older sense helps explain why it sounds formal and honorable. In modern English, it usually points to a person with a religious role rather than simply any respected person.
The word "reverend" has a long history connected to respect. It comes from the Latin reverendus, meaning "worthy of reverence" or "worthy of deep respect." In older English, it could be used as an adjective for someone who deserved honor. Over time, however, it became mainly a formal title used for members of the clergy.
Today, "Reverend" is most commonly used as a formal title for Christian ministers, pastors, priests, and other church leaders. In formal writing and introductions, you will often see forms such as "the Reverend Smith" or "Reverend Anna Lee." It shows respect for the person's religious office and their role in guiding a church or congregation.
Understanding its older meaning helps explain the tone the word carries today. It is not just a label for a job; it also suggests dignity, respect, and moral seriousness. You may still meet the adjective sense in older or literary writing, but in present-day English, the word usually refers to a clergy title. When you see it, the idea behind it is the same: this is someone meant to be treated with honor.
Examples
- 1
Religious meeting
Reverend Parker opened the meeting with a short prayer.
- 2
Funeral service
The family asked the reverend to lead the funeral service.
- 3
Direct address
“Excuse me, Reverend, could I speak to you for a moment?”
- Usage
Reverend is used as a respectful way to address a reverend directly.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reverendnounadjective
Forms
- reverendspluralnounadjective