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Irreverent
Showing a lack of respect for things typically treated with respect or seriousness; often expressed through witty or dismissive humor.
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Imagine This
Imagine a student at a formal award ceremony cracking jokes about solemn traditions, turning a serious moment into a lighthearted, irreverent scene.
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Sounds Like
Sounds like: ih-REH-vuh-ruhnt
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Looks Like
Looks like: reverent with the prefix ir- (not reverent).
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Remember This
Irreverent contrasts with reverent; the prefix ir- means not. The word comes from Latin reverent-, from revereri 'to fear or respect,' and was formed in English with the negating prefix ir-.
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Other Forms
irreverencenoun
irreverentlyadverb
irreverentnessnoun
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Connect With
reverent, disrespectful, flippant, sarcastic, irony
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Note
Use irreverent to describe attitudes or humor, not necessarily insulting; avoid equating it with profanity or blasphemy unless clearly intended. It can be witty, not just rude.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The comedian's irreverent jokes about sacred cows of politics drew both laughter and gasps.
- Her irreverent attitude at the formal ceremony surprised the elders but delighted the younger guests.
Synonyms
disrespectfulflippantimpertinentimpudentsarcastic
Antonyms
reverentrespectfulsolemn
Etymology
From the prefix ir- (not) + reverent, with reverent deriving from Latin reverent- 'respectful' from reverērī 'to fear or respect'.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: IR- + REVERENT = NOT REVERENT. Remember with the phrase 'I Revere? No.' to recall the meaning of irreverent.
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Raucous
adjectiveMaking or constituting a loud, harsh, and boisterous noise; unruly and disruptive.
Compromise
verbTo settle differences by making concessions during negotiation; or to expose to risk or harm by allowing protections, standards, or integrity to be weakened.
Renounce
verbTo give up or reject (a claim, right, or position); to abandon.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Flippant
adjectiveLacking proper seriousness or respect; treating important matters with a frivolous, glib attitude.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
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