Reverend

Reverend is a courtesy title used in many Christian denominations to address or refer to ordained clergy. It signals respect and does not indicate a specific function or rank by itself. The term derives from the Latin reverendus, meaning “worthy of reverence” or “to be revered,” and entered English via Old French.

In practice, "The Reverend" is commonly used for priests, ministers, and pastors. The abbreviation Rev. is widely used in writing, church bulletins, and directories, and forms such as "The Reverend Jane Smith" appear in formal address. Usage varies by denomination: some traditions use "The Reverend" as a general title for ordained clergy, while others employ additional styles for higher offices (for example, "The Very Reverend" for certain senior clergy, "The Right Reverend" for bishops).

In the Catholic Church, priests are typically addressed as "Reverend" in formal English usage, with "Father" being the common spoken form; higher honors such as "Monsignor" denote special status. In Protestant churches that use the term, "Reverend" is often interchangeable with "Minister" or "Pastor," though not all clergy are titled as Reverend.

The word is largely confined to Christian contexts and is rarely applied to lay leaders or leaders of other faiths. In modern usage, the title appears in church communications, formal invitations, and media reporting, and the abbreviated form Rev. is frequently used in writing.