irreverence
pronunciation
How to pronounce irreverence in British English: UK [ɪ'revərəns]
How to pronounce irreverence in American English: US [ɪˈrɛvərəns]
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- Noun:
- an irreverent mental attitude
- a disrespectful act
Word Origin
- irreverence (n.)
- mid-14c., from Latin irreverentia "want of reverence, disrespect," from irreverentem (nominative irreverens) "disrespectful, irreverent," from assimilated form of in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + reverens, present participle of revereri "to stand in awe of" (see revere).
Example
- 1. True irreverence is disrespect for another man 's god .
- 2. Irreverence is a sin of great magnitude with dreadful consequences .
- 3. An absolute monarchy like qatar is a hard place in which to encourage the daring , irreverence and subversiveness that is the hallmark of a truly artistic nature .
- 4. Mark twain said irreverence is the champion of liberty , if not its only defender .
- 5. Its combination of strident secularism , irreverence and willingness to tackle controversial political issues led to its success but also made it powerful enemies .