adj
reverend
REHV-ruhnd
adj
1
Deserving deep respect, especially used as a title before a clergy member's name.
"The Reverend Susan Clarke will lead the service."
noun
1
A member of the Christian clergy, especially as a title.
"The reverend visited every family in the parish during Advent."
How to Use Reverend
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA polite title or description for a clergyman or clergywoman.
Common mistake
When used as a title, it goes before the name, usually as "the Reverend [Name]", not "Reverend Smith" alone in formal style — though the shorter form is common in everyday speech.
Word Forms
reverends plural
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The _____ Susan Clarke will lead the service.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French révérend, from Latin reverendus, "that is to be respected" — the future passive form of revereor, "to revere".