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reverencia

reh-veh-REHN-syah/reβeˈɾenθja/

“reverencia” means “bow” in Spanish (a physical gesture of respect).

bow, curtsy

Also: reverence
NounfB1formal
A person in formal clothing performing a deep bow of respect.

📝 In Action

El actor hizo una reverencia profunda al final de la obra.

B1

The actor took a deep bow at the end of the play.

Tratamos a nuestros abuelos con mucha reverencia.

B2

We treat our grandparents with great reverence.

Ella hizo una pequeña reverencia ante la reina.

B1

She did a small curtsy before the queen.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • inclinación (bow/inclination)
  • veneración (veneration)
  • respeto (respect)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • hacer una reverencia – to bow / to curtsy
  • con suma reverencia – with utmost reverence

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "reverencia" in Spanish:

bow→curtsy→reverence→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: reverencia

Question 1 of 3

If you want to say 'He bowed' in Spanish, which is correct?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
reverenciar(to revere) — Verb
reverente(reverent) — Adjective
irreverente(disrespectful) — Adjective
reverendo(reverend) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'reverentia', which comes from 'revereri' meaning 'to stand in awe of'. The prefix 're-' emphasizes the action of 'vereri' (to feel respect or fear).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: reverenceFrench: révérenceItalian: reverenza

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'reverencia' a common word in daily conversation?

Not really. It is a formal word. You will hear it in theater, during religious ceremonies, or when talking about history and royalty.

What is the difference between 'respeto' and 'reverencia'?

'Respeto' is general respect you have for anyone. 'Reverencia' is much deeper—it's like the respect you have for a hero, a god, or a very formal tradition.

How do I use 'reverencia' as a verb?

The naming word is 'reverencia', but the action word is 'reverenciar'. However, in common speech, it is more natural to say 'hacer una reverencia' for the physical act.