reverend
[ rev-er-uh nd, rev-ruh nd ]
/ ˈrɛv ər ənd, ˈrɛv rənd /
adjective
(initial capital letter)
(used as a title of respect applied or prefixed to the name of a member of the clergy or a religious order): Reverend Timothy Cranshaw; Reverend Mother.
worthy to be revered; entitled to reverence.
pertaining to or characteristic of the clergy.
noun
Informal.
a member of the clergy.
Origin of reverend
1400–50; late Middle English < Latin
reverendus worthy of being revered, gerund of
reverērī to
revere1
OTHER WORDS FROM reverend
rev·er·end·ship, nounWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH reverend
reverend reverentWords nearby reverend
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reverberatory furnace,
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revere, paul,
reverence,
reverend,
reverend mother,
reverent,
reverential,
reverie,
revers
Example sentences from the Web for reverend
British Dictionary definitions for reverend (1 of 2)
reverend
/ (ˈrɛvərənd) /
adjective
worthy of reverence
relating to or designating a clergyman or the clergy
noun
informal
a clergyman
Word Origin for reverend
C15: from Latin
reverendus fit to be revered; see
revere
British Dictionary definitions for reverend (2 of 2)
Reverend
/ (ˈrɛvərənd) /
adjective
a title of respect for a clergyman
Abbreviations: Rev., Revd See also Very Reverend, Right Reverend, Most Reverend
usage for Reverend
Reverend with a surname alone (
Reverend Smith), as a term of address (
``Yes, Reverend''), or in the salutation of a letter (
Dear Rev. Mr Smith) are all generally considered to be wrong usage. Preferred are (
the)
Reverend John Smith or
Reverend Mr Smith and
Dear Mr Smith