ehrfürchtiges

ehrfürchtig is a German adjective that translates to reverent, awe-inspiring, or venerable. It describes a feeling of deep respect, awe, or devotion, often accompanied by a sense of fear or humility in the face of something powerful, sacred, or greatly esteemed. This feeling can be directed towards deities, religious figures, historical places, great works of art, or individuals who command significant respect due to their age, wisdom, or achievements.

The word ehrfürchtig stems from the combination of "Ehrfurcht," which means awe or reverence, and the suffix "-ig," which creates an adjective. "Ehrfurcht" itself is composed of "Ehre" (honor) and "Furcht" (fear). Thus, the etymology suggests a respect that incorporates a degree of awe and perhaps a healthy apprehension.

In common usage, ehrfürchtig can describe a person's demeanor when encountering something or someone worthy of profound respect. For instance, one might feel ehrfürchtig when visiting an ancient cathedral, standing before a famous monument, or listening to a particularly moving piece of music. It signifies an emotional response that transcends mere admiration, touching upon a deeper sense of the sublime or the sacred. The term is also used to describe something that inherently inspires such feelings, such as a wise elder or a majestic natural landscape.