Respect vs. Reverence — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 27, 2024
Respect is the recognition of someone's worth or qualities, often shown through polite actions, while reverence is a deeper feeling of awe or profound respect, typically reserved for something considered sacred or exceptional.
Difference Between Respect and Reverence
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Respect is a fundamental social virtue that acknowledges the value and rights of individuals or institutions, often expressed through courteous behaviors. It is a recognition of worth regardless of personal feelings. Reverence, on the other hand, goes beyond basic respect to encompass a profound sense of admiration and awe, usually for something perceived as higher or greater than oneself, such as spiritual entities, principles, or highly esteemed individuals.
While respect can be considered a baseline of polite social interaction, applicable in a wide range of contexts from casual to formal, reverence implies a deeper emotional connection or commitment. Reverence often involves a sense of humility and deep admiration, and it is typically evoked in contexts involving spirituality, significant moral authority, or extraordinary achievements.
Respect is generally expected in everyday interactions, contributing to the smooth functioning of society by recognizing each person's dignity and rights. Conversely, reverence is reserved for special cases and is not expected in all social interactions. It is often associated with traditions, rituals, or ceremonies that highlight the revered object's or person's esteemed status.
The expression of respect can be through polite manners, listening, and consideration of another's feelings or opinions. It involves acknowledging someone's position, achievements, or qualities without necessarily implying deep emotional engagement. Reverence, however, often manifests in more symbolic gestures or acts of devotion, reflecting the deeper emotional and sometimes spiritual connection to the object of reverence.
While both respect and reverence involve acknowledging the value or authority of others, reverence is distinguished by its depth of feeling and the contexts in which it is appropriate. Respect serves as a foundation for ethical interaction, whereas reverence touches upon the spiritual or profoundly admirable, evoking a deeper sense of connection and awe.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Acknowledgment of someone's worth or qualities
Deep admiration and awe for something sacred or exceptional
Emotional Depth
Basic acknowledgment without deep emotional attachment
Involves deep emotional attachment and awe
Context
Applicable in everyday interactions
Reserved for special entities, principles, or achievements
Expression
Polite manners, consideration, and acknowledgment
Symbolic gestures, devotion, and profound admiration
Associated with
Social virtue, courtesy
Spirituality, moral authority, high esteem
Expected in
All social interactions
Specific contexts involving spirituality or exceptionalism
Reflects
Recognition of dignity and rights
Humility and a profound sense of connection
Involves
Acknowledging position, achievements, or qualities
Deep emotional and sometimes spiritual connection
Compare with Definitions
Respect
Consideration for the feelings, rights, or traditions of others.
Showing respect during a debate involves listening attentively to the other person's viewpoint.
Reverence
A feeling of profound awe and respect, often in a religious context.
Pilgrims showed their reverence by removing their shoes before entering the sacred temple.
Respect
The act of valuing someone's qualities or contributions.
Respect for a colleague's expertise leads to effective collaboration.
Reverence
Deep admiration for someone or something considered superior.
The scientist's groundbreaking work was regarded with reverence by her peers.
Respect
Acknowledgment of someone's position or achievements.
The team showed respect for their coach by following his advice.
Reverence
An act showing deep respect and esteem.
The ceremonial bowing at the memorial was an expression of reverence for the fallen.
Respect
A polite expression of esteem.
Offering your seat to an elderly person is a sign of respect.
Reverence
Devotional respect for a deity or sacred entity.
The ritual prayers are performed with reverence, reflecting the worshippers' deep spiritual connection.
Respect
Courtesy shown towards someone or something.
Observing silence in a library is a form of respect for those studying.
Reverence
Respect tinged with awe, especially for something sacred.
The silence of the ancient forest inspired a sense of reverence among the hikers.
Respect
Respect, also called esteem, is a positive feeling or action shown towards someone or something considered important or held in high esteem or regard. It conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities.
Reverence
A feeling of profound awe and respect and often love.
Respect
A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem
I have great respect for your work.
Reverence
An act showing respect, especially a bow or curtsy.
Respect
The state of being regarded with honor or esteem
A leader held in the greatest respect.
Reverence
Reverence Used as a form of address for certain members of the Christian clergy
Your Reverence.
Respect
Consideration or appreciation
Can't you at least give me some respect?.
Reverence
To consider or treat with profound awe and respect; venerate
"There was nobody whom she reverenced as she reverenced him" (Virginia Woolf).
Respect
Due regard for something considered important or authoritative
Respect for the law.
Reverence
Veneration; profound awe and respect, normally in a sacred context.
Respect
A particular aspect, feature, or detail
In many respects this is an important decision.
Reverence
An act of showing respect, such as a bow.
Respect
Usage Problem Relation; reference. See Usage Note at regard.
Reverence
The state of being revered.
Respect
To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem or admire
All the other scholars respect her.
Reverence
A form of address for some members of the clergy.
Your reverence
Respect
To avoid interfering with or intruding upon
Please respect my privacy.
Reverence
That which deserves or exacts manifestations of reverence; reverend character; dignity; state.
Respect
To avoid violating
I respected the speed limit throughout the trip.
Reverence
(transitive) To show or feel reverence to.
Respect
To relate or refer to; concern
As respects the rights of land owners, this law says nothing.
Reverence
Profound respect and esteem mingled with fear and affection, as for a holy being or place; the disposition to revere; veneration.
If thou be poor, farewell thy reverence.
Reverence, which is the synthesis of love and fear.
When discords, and quarrels, and factions, are carried openly and audaciously, it is a sign the reverence of government islost.
Respect
(uncountable) an attitude of consideration or high regard
He is an intellectual giant, and I have great respect for him.
We do respect people for their dignity and worth.
Reverence
The act of revering; a token of respect or veneration; an obeisance.
Make twenty reverences upon receiving . . . about twopence.
And each of them doeth all his diligenceTo do unto the feast reverence.
Respect
(uncountable) good opinion, honor, or admiration
Reverence
That which deserves or exacts manifestations of reverence; reverend character; dignity; state.
I am forced to lay my reverence by.
Respect
(countable) a particular aspect, feature or detail of something
This year's model is superior to last year's in several respects.
Reverence
A person entitled to be revered; - a title applied to priests or other ministers with the pronouns his or your; sometimes poetically to a father.
Such a one as a man may not speak of, without he say. "Sir reverence."
Now lies he there,And none so poor to do him reverence.
Respect
Good will; favor
Reverence
To regard or treat with reverence; to regard with respect and affection mingled with fear; to venerate.
Let . . . the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Those that I reverence those I fear, the wise.
Respect
To have respect for.
She is an intellectual giant, and I respect her greatly.
Reverence
A profound emotion inspired by a deity;
The fear of God
Respect
To have regard for something, to observe a custom, practice, rule or right.
I respect your right to hold that belief, although I think it is nonsense.
I respect your right to feel offended, even though most people, myself included, totally disagree and don’t find the comment offensive in the slightest.
Reverence
A reverent mental attitude
Respect
To abide by an agreement.
They failed to respect the treaty they had signed, and invaded.
Reverence
Regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of;
Fear God as your father
We venerate genius
Respect
To take notice of; to regard as worthy of special consideration; to heed.
Respect
To relate to; to be concerned with.
Respect
(obsolete) To regard; to consider; to deem.
Respect
(obsolete) To look toward; to face.
Respect
(Jamaica) hello, hi
Respect
To consider worthy of esteem; to regard with honor.
Respect
To look toward; to front upon or toward.
Palladius adviseth the front of his house should so respect the uth.
Respect
To have regard to; to have reference to; to relate to; as, the treaty particularly respects our commerce.
Respect
The act of noticing with attention; the giving particular consideration to; hence, care; caution.
But he it well did ward with wise respect.
Respect
Esteem; regard; consideration; honor.
Seen without awe, and served without respect.
The same men treat the Lord's Day with as little respect.
Respect
An expression of respect of deference; regards; as, to send one's respects to another.
Respect
Reputation; repute.
Many of the best respect in Rome.
Respect
Particular; point regarded; point of view; as, in this respect; in any respect; in all respects.
Everything which is imperfect, as the world must be acknowledged in many respects.
In one respect I'll be thy assistant.
Respect
Relation; reference; regard.
They believed but one Supreme Deity, which, with respect to the various benefits men received from him, had several titles.
Respect
Consideration; motive; interest.
To the publik goodPrivate respects must yield.
Respect
(usually preceded by `in') a detail or point;
It differs in that respect
Respect
The condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded);
It is held in esteem
A man who has earned high regard
Respect
An attitude of admiration or esteem;
She lost all respect for him
Respect
A courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard;
His deference to her wishes was very flattering
Be sure to give my respects to the dean
Respect
Behavior intended to please your parents;
Their children were never very strong on obedience
He went to law school out of respect for his father's wishes
Respect
A feeling of friendship and esteem;
She mistook his manly regard for love
He inspires respect
Respect
Courteous regard for people's feelings;
In deference to your wishes
Out of respect for his privacy
Respect
Regard highly; think much of;
I respect his judgement
We prize his creativity
Respect
Show respect towards;
Honor your parents!
Common Curiosities
What are some common symbols or acts of reverence?
Acts of reverence can include bowing, performing rituals, or other symbolic gestures indicating deep respect and admiration.
What distinguishes respect from reverence?
Respect is basic acknowledgment of worth or qualities, while reverence involves deeper feelings of awe and admiration, often for something considered sacred.
Can one feel reverence for a concept or idea?
Yes, concepts or ideals, such as freedom or justice, can be revered for their profound importance or impact on society.
Is reverence always religious?
While often associated with religion, reverence can also apply to secular contexts where profound admiration or awe is felt.
Why is respect important in society?
Respect is crucial for maintaining dignity, harmony, and understanding in social interactions, serving as the foundation of ethical behavior.
Can respect lead to reverence?
Yes, initial respect for someone's qualities or achievements can evolve into reverence as deeper admiration and awe develop.
How does reverence affect relationships?
Reverence within relationships can deepen connections, fostering a profound appreciation and emotional bond.
How is respect shown in everyday life?
Respect is shown through polite manners, listening attentively, and acknowledging others' rights and positions.
What role does reverence play in personal growth?
Reverence can inspire individuals to aspire to higher ideals or values, influencing personal development and ethical conduct.
How does one cultivate reverence?
Reverence is cultivated through reflection, understanding, and developing a deep appreciation for the qualities or sacredness of the revered object or person.
Is it possible to disagree with someone you revere?
Yes, it's possible to hold reverence for someone while disagreeing with them, as reverence acknowledges their overall worth or sacredness beyond individual disagreements.
Can a society exist without respect?
A society without respect would likely face significant conflict and misunderstanding, as respect is essential for peaceful coexistence.
Is respect inherent or learned?
While some forms of respect might be innate, most are learned through socialization and understanding of social norms.
How do different cultures express reverence?
Cultural expressions of reverence can vary widely, including rituals, ceremonies, and specific behaviors tailored to each culture's values and beliefs.
What is the importance of teaching reverence in education?
Teaching reverence can help cultivate a sense of awe and appreciation for life, culture, and the environment, enriching students' perspectives.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
