Venerate: Definition, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：feel deep respect for (venerate)

venerate 🔊

/ˈvɛn.ə.reɪt/

vt.

to feel or show deep respect for someone or something, especially because they are old, wise, or important.

Young person bowing to elder in veneration scene

feel deep respect for 🔊

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/fiːl diːp rɪˈspɛkt fɔːr/

vt.

To feel or show deep respect for someone or something, especially because they are old, wise, or important.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'venerari' (to worship), from 'venus' (love).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'Venus' – the goddess of love and beauty, whom ancient Romans deeply venerated.

📖 Example

In many cultures, young people are taught to venerate their elders for their life experience and wisdom. 🔊 In many cultures, young people are taught to venerate their elders for their life experience and wisdom.

🔗 Collocations

venerate the elders – show deep respect for older people

venerate tradition – hold tradition in high regard

venerate ancestors – honor and respect one's forebears

🔄 Synonyms

revere (vt.) – To feel great respect or admiration for someone or something.

adore (vt.) – To love and respect someone deeply.

worship (vt.) – To show reverence and adoration for a deity or someone highly respected.

🚫 Antonyms

despise (vt.) – To feel strong dislike or contempt for someone or something.

scorn (vt.) – To treat someone or something with disrespect or contempt.

disrespect (vt.) – To show a lack of respect for someone or something.

🌱 Derivatives

veneration (n.) – The feeling or act of showing deep respect.

venerator (n.) – A person who shows deep respect.

venerable (adj.) – Deserving deep respect because of age, wisdom, or character.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'venerari', linked to the goddess Venus. Originally used for religious worship, now extends to deep respect for people or traditions due to age or wisdom.