noun

irreverence

ih-REV-er-ens/ɪˈrevərəns/

Lack of respect for things considered serious or sacred.

His mocking salute at the memorial shows irreverence for the occasion.

At a quiet memorial, an older man makes an exaggerated mocking salute beside a wreath while another older man stands with his head respectfully bowed, contrasting irreverence with appropriate solemnity.

Etymology

irLatinnot

+reverLatinstand in awe of, respect

+enceLatinstate or quality

Revereri meant to stand in awe, combining respect with a sense of fear. The negative prefix turns that attitude into its absence: a lack of proper respect toward serious or sacred things.

In context

Forward Boldly8:34

when our lord meets with coldness or indifference or neglect or irreverence it grieves his sacred heart

Dom Mark Kirby, OSB, Silverstream Priory, Ireland

More examples

The comedian treats solemn traditions with playful irreverence.
Her irreverence toward religious rituals offends some relatives.
The principal mistakes their laughter for irreverence.

Forms

irreverence

irreverent adjective — Showing disrespect for serious or sacred things.

irreverently adverb — Without respect for serious or sacred things.

Similar words

disrespect: Broader; includes rudeness toward people and disregard for ordinary rules.
impiety: Focuses specifically on disrespect for religion or sacred duties.
flippancy: Emphasizes a casually joking attitude when seriousness is expected.