Irreverent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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irreverent

[ษชหˆrษ›vษ™rษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

inappropriate behavior

Showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously. It often involves humor, sarcasm, or mockery.

Synonyms

cheeky, disrespectful, impolite.

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his irreverent sense of humor.
  • The comedian's irreverent jokes offended some audience members.
  • She had an irreverent attitude towards authority.
Context #2 | Adjective

religious context

Not showing the proper respect for religious beliefs or sacred things.

Synonyms

irreligious, profane, sacrilegious.

Examples of usage

  • The irreverent behavior in the church upset many parishioners.
  • His irreverent comments about the Bible were considered blasphemous.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Many comedians use irreverent humor to challenge societal norms and make people think more critically about serious subjects.
  • TV shows like 'The Simpsons' are famous for their irreverent take on family life and societal issues, blending humor with social commentary.
  • Irreverence has become a hallmark of many modern art movements, where traditional ideas are subverted to provoke thought and discussion.

Literature

  • Authors such as Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams are celebrated for their irreverent writing styles that blend humor with criticism of society.
  • Irreverent characters often appear in fiction as a way to contrast traditional heroes, providing a fresh perspective on morality.
  • Irreverence in poetry often serves to challenge established norms, allowing poets to convey deep emotions through unexpected language.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people who appreciate irreverent humor may have higher creativity, as they often see the world from alternative viewpoints.
  • Engaging with irreverent content can help reduce stress, allowing individuals to find laughter in everyday challenges.
  • Irreverence in social interactions often serves as a coping mechanism, helping individuals to deal with difficult topics in a lighter way.

History

  • Satirical movements, such as Dadaism in the early 20th century, embraced irreverence as a reaction against the horrors of World War I.
  • Historic political cartoons often used irreverent humor to criticize leaders and policies, influencing public perception and opinion.
  • In religious contexts, irreverence has sparked debate and dialogue, sometimes leading to reformative movements that challenge established traditions.

Origin of 'irreverent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'irreverens,' which means 'not respecting.' It combines 'in' (not) and 'reverent' (respectful).
  • It first appeared in the English language during the early 20th century, gaining popularity in literature.
  • The prefix 'ir-' indicates negation, suggesting that the term embodies a playful disregard for conventional norms.

The word 'irreverent' originated in the late 16th century, from the Latin word 'irreverentia', meaning 'lack of reverence'. It has been used to describe a disrespectful or mocking attitude towards serious or sacred things. Over the years, 'irreverent' has become commonly associated with humor and satire, often challenging traditional beliefs or societal norms.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,974, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.