Irreverently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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irreverently
[ษชหrษv.ษ.rษnt.li ]
Definition
attitude, behavior
Irreverently means showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously. It is often used to describe actions, remarks, or behaviors that are considered disrespectful or irreverent, particularly towards religious or serious subjects. This term can be associated with humor, satire, or casualness where seriousness is expected.
Synonyms
disrespectfully, impiously, sacrilegiously.
Examples of usage
- She spoke irreverently about the historical figure.
- The comedian performed irreverently at the award ceremony, shocking the audience.
- His irreverent attitude towards authority often got him into trouble.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many contemporary authors use irreverent tones to challenge societal norms, often adding humor to serious critiques.
- Mark Twain is known for his irreverent humor, notably in works like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'.
- Irreverence can create a powerful contrast in literature, highlighting hypocrisy by juxtaposing humor with solemn themes.
Pop Culture
- In comedy, irreverent humor often leads to critical discussions surrounding politics and social issues, as seen in shows like 'Saturday Night Live.'
- Musicians such as the band Blink-182 often take an irreverent approach in their lyrics, poking fun at serious topics.
- Irreverence is prevalent in animated shows like 'The Simpsons', where it challenges everything from family dynamics to politics.
Psychology
- Psychological studies suggest that irreverent humor can reduce tension in serious conversations, making it easier for people to express uncomfortable truths.
- Using irreverence, such as sarcasm or satire, can serve as a coping mechanism to deal with stress and anxiety.
- People often respond positively to irreverent humor, viewing it as a sign of intelligence and creativity.
Social Movements
- Irreverent art and messaging have been pivotal in social movements, enabling activists to convey serious messages through humor.
- Examples include the irreverent art of Banksy, which critiques consumerism and politics while engaging the audience playfully.
- In modern activism, irreverent slogans can provoke thought and generate dialogue about serious issues in an accessible way.
Origin of 'irreverently'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the prefix 'ir-' meaning 'not' and 'reverent,' which means 'showing respect.'
- It entered the English language in the 14th century, originally stemming from Latin roots.
- Historically, terms that describe lacking reverence often relate to religious contexts.
The word 'irreverently' is derived from the adjective 'irreverent,' which first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century. It comes from the Latin 'irreverentem,' the present participle of 'irrevereri,' where 'in-' means 'not' and 'revereri' means 'to revere or regard with respect.' The adverbial form 'irreverently' was formed by adding the suffix '-ly,' which is commonly used to convert adjectives into adverbs. The usage of 'irreverently' has become more prominent in contemporary language, particularly in the contexts of humor and critique, often employed in discussions about societal norms and traditional values.