Irreverent

Showing a lack of respect for things typically treated with respect or seriousness; often expressed through witty or dismissive humor.

adjective

Irreverent

Showing a lack of respect for things typically treated with respect or seriousness; often expressed through witty or dismissive humor.

adjective

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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

adjective

Making or constituting a loud, harsh, and boisterous noise; unruly and disruptive.

Compromise

verb

To settle differences by making concessions during negotiation; or to expose to risk or harm by allowing protections, standards, or integrity to be weakened.