What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reverence
Example
The students showed reverence towards their teacher during the ceremony. [reverence: noun]
Example
He reverenced the ancient artifacts with great care and attention. [reverenced: past tense verb]
venerate
Example
The people venerated the religious leader for his wisdom and guidance. [venerated: past participle verb]
Example
She felt a strong urge to venerate the statue of the goddess. [venerate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reverence is more commonly used in everyday language than venerate. Reverence is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while venerate is more specific and often associated with religious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reverence and venerate?
Both reverence and venerate are formal words that are typically used in serious or respectful contexts. However, venerate may be considered more formal due to its association with religious worship and devotion.