reverenciar

Reverenciar is a Spanish verb meaning to show reverence or deference toward someone or something considered sacred, noble, or worthy of respect. It can express both feeling and conduct, and is often used in religious, ceremonial, or formal contexts. It is transitive and typically followed by a direct object or a prepositional phrase, as in reverenciar a alguien, reverenciar a Dios, or reverenciar las tradiciones. In secular use, it may describe intense admiration or deference toward ideas, symbols, or historic figures. In some contexts, reverenciar implies a ritual aspect of respectful behavior, such as a bow, gesture, or formal act.

Etymology and related terms: reverenciar derives from reverencia, meaning reverence, which in turn comes from Latin reverentia. The verb form is used across Spanish-speaking regions, with noun-derived forms such as reverencia and related verbs like venerar or rendir homenaje. Synonyms include respetar, honrar, venerar, and rendir homenaje; antonyms include despreciar and menospreciar.

Usage notes: reverenciar is generally more formal or solemn than simply respetar or honrar. It is common to say reverenciar a Dios, reverenciar a los mayores, o reverenciar las creencias y tradiciones. In Latin American Spanish, the form ustedes reverencian is standard in plural reference; in Spain, vosotros reverenciáis is also used.

See also: reverencia, veneración, venerar, rendir homenaje. Example: Los fieles reverencian las reliquias; los historiadores reverencian las fuentes cuando se estudian con cuidado.