irreverent
UK: ɪˈrev.ər.ənt | US: ɪˈrev.ɚ.ənt
adj. showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously
adj. characterized by a casual or flippant attitude toward conventions or authority
irreverent = ir<not> + rever<respect> + ent<adjective suffix>
- ir<not>: A prefix derived from Latin in- (negation), meaning "not" or "without."
- rever<respect>: Root from Latin revereri ("to revere, respect"), combining re- (intensive) + vereri ("to fear, respect").
- ent<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -entem (present participle ending).
Etymology Origin:
The word irreverent traces back to Latin irreverentem, combining ir- (negation) + reverentia ("respect"). It originally described someone who failed to show proper reverence, especially in religious contexts. Over time, it broadened to describe disrespect toward any authority or tradition, reflecting a shift from sacred to secular usage. The morphemes ir- and rever- remain clearly identifiable in modern English, preserving the word’s logical structure.
His irreverent jokes about the ceremony offended some attendees.
The comedian’s irreverent style challenges societal norms.
She wrote an irreverent critique of the political establishment.
The film takes an irreverent approach to historical events.
Their irreverent attitude toward the rules often got them into trouble.