irreverence

/ɪˈrevərəns/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪˈrevərəns/ (ame, ipa) · /i-ˈre-v(ə-)rən(t)s ˌi(r)-, -ˈre-vərn(t)s/ (ame, mw)

irreverence — noun

1. an attitude of treating religion, authority, or other honoured things too casual

1.名詞C1
釋義

an attitude of treating religion, authority, or other honoured things too casually instead of with the respect people expect.

例句

Theo's irreverence during the memorial service upset his grandparents.

irreverence during a solemn public event

The magazine's irreverence toward royal traditions made older readers angry.

irreverence toward long-respected institutions

同義詞
  • disrespect

    broader everyday word; can apply to ordinary social situations, not only to honoured or sacred things

  • impiety

    narrower and more religious; focuses on lack of respect toward God or sacred practices

  • flippancy

    stresses a joking, unserious manner more than deep contempt

  • mockery

    more active and hostile; emphasises openly making fun of something

反義詞
  • reverence

    deep respect, especially toward sacred or highly honoured things

  • respect

    broader everyday opposite with less emotional intensity

  • devotion

    stronger and warmer; often implies loyal or religious commitment

文法句型

irreverence for + institution or belief

irreverence towards + authority figure

someone's irreverence about + serious topic

用法筆記

Usually uncountable and often followed by for, towards, or about when naming what is not respected. This sense describes a general tone or habit, unlike sense 2, which points to one specific remark or deed.

常見錯誤

❌She showed an irreverence to the ceremony.
✅She showed irreverence towards the ceremony.
💡irreverence is usually uncountable, and the natural pattern is 'irreverence towards/for'.
❌His irreverence was the joke he told in church.
✅His irreverence showed in the joke he told in church.
💡this sense names the overall attitude, not the single joke itself.

2. a single comment or deed that mocks or insults something people normally treat s

2.名詞C2
釋義

a single comment or deed that mocks or insults something people normally treat seriously.

例句

The priest forgave Esteban's irreverence after the boy laughed during prayer.

one act judged in a religious setting

That irreverence from the host turned the formal dinner into chaos.

that irreverence = one remark or gesture

同義詞
  • insult

    broader and more direct; does not necessarily involve sacred or solemn subjects

  • mockery

    stresses openly making fun of someone or something

  • profanity

    narrower; refers specifically to offensive language, often involving sacred words

  • sacrilege

    much stronger and mostly religious; implies a serious violation of what is holy

反義詞
  • tribute

    a deliberate act showing honour or admiration

  • gesture of respect

    any action meant to show proper regard

  • apology

    often follows an irreverent act when the speaker recognises the offense

文法句型

someone's irreverence shocked + group

a brief irreverence towards + respected person

that irreverence turned + event + result

用法筆記

Use this sense when one joke, line, picture, or gesture is being judged. Distinguish it from sense 1, which describes a continuing manner or attitude rather than one identifiable incident.

常見錯誤

❌He said an irreverence to the judge.
✅He made an irreverent remark to the judge.
💡irreverence names the act or quality, not the exact sentence itself.
❌Her irreverence made her an irreverence performer.
✅Her irreverence made her an irreverent performer.
💡use the adjective irreverent to describe a person directly.