Reverend
/ˈrɛv.ər.ənd/noun
Used as a title for members of the clergy, or meaning deserving deep respect.
Did you know?Reverend comes from Latin *reverendus*, the gerundive of *revereri*, meaning “to stand in awe of, respect,” a root tied to the ancient idea that true reverence begins with fear mixed with honor.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
revereri
“to stand in awe of, respect, fear”
Latin
Latin
reverendus
“worthy of reverence; to be respected”
Old French
Old French
reverent
“respectful, honorable”
Middle English
English
reverent
“respectful; deserving honor”
16th Century
English
reverend
“used as a title for clergy; worthy of deep respect”
Modern English
English
reverend
“a title for a member of the clergy; a respected spiritual leader”