Meaning
reverence; bow, curtsy
- reverence, respect
- bow (bending of the body)
- curtsey
In a sentence
Ho sempre avuto grande riverenza per mia nonna.
I have always had great respect for my grandmother.
Hai fatto una riverenza prima di entrare?
Did you make a bow before coming in?
La bambina non ha fatto la riverenza.
The little girl didn't do a curtsey.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| riverenza | feminine · singular |
| riverenze | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- Mostly formal or literary. In everyday speech, rispetto is usually more natural for general respect.
- For the physical gesture, inchino is common for a bow; riverenza sounds old-fashioned or ceremonial.
- Fare la riverenza means to curtsey. Learners often overuse it for any bowing gesture.