adjective
irreverent
ih-REV-er-unt/ɪˈrevərənt/
Showing little respect for things usually treated seriously.
The irreverent attendee lounges and mocks the honored object during the solemn ceremony.
Etymology
The pieces express not standing in awe of something. That lack of reverence becomes the attitude of treating normally respected or serious subjects without the respect they conventionally receive.
In context
I'm very irreverent, anti-establishment just by instinct.
And didn't necessarily believe what was told to them, were funny and irreverent.
More examples
- The cartoon offers an irreverent look at presidential politics.
- His irreverent remarks upset people who consider the ceremony sacred.
- Even the museum director enjoys their irreverent take on classical art.
Forms
irreverent
irreverence noun — Lack of respect for traditionally serious things.
irreverently adverb — In a way that shows little reverence.
Similar words
- disrespectful
- Broader; includes ordinary rudeness toward people, not just revered things.
- flippant
- Emphasizes inappropriate lightness rather than disregard for authority or tradition.
- impious
- Specifically suggests a lack of respect for religion or sacred things.