venerate

Everyday

1. (formal) To venerate someone or something is to treat them with very deep respect. tree →
2. (church) Some Christians venerate saints, relics or icons: they honour them, but believe only God is worshipped. tree →

In the lessons

Used in religion lessons (saints, holy places), history (ancestors, heroes) and formal writing; noun veneration.

Examples

• Many people venerate their grandparents' wisdom. tree →
• The village venerates the old oak tree. tree →
• Catholics and Orthodox Christians venerate the saints. tree →
• The pilgrims kissed the icon to venerate it. tree →
• Ancient Egyptians venerated cats. tree →
• Scientists still venerate Newton's work. tree →
• Indeed, he loved as well as venerated this master because of his unfailing kindness, his patience, his readiness to teach, and his skill in teaching. tree →

Note

Formal word; everyday «respect» or «honour» is softer. Trap: venerate (honour) is not the same as worship (give the love and praise owed to God), as churches use the words. Adjective: venerable (old and respected).