Meaning & use
irreverent tone
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Meanings
nouncountable
A way of speaking or writing that shows a lack of respect for serious or important things, often in a playful way.
Grammar: Countable when referring to a particular style or instance: 'an irreverent tone.' Also used with 'the'.
Patterns
- in an irreverent tone
- adopt an irreverent tone
- an irreverent tone toward something
The comedian's irreverent tone made even the most serious topics feel lighthearted.
She wrote the article in an irreverent tone, poking fun at corporate jargon.
His irreverent tone during the meeting surprised the new manager.
nouncountable
A style that deliberately avoids showing the usual respect for authority, tradition, or sacred things.
Grammar: Often used to describe a general attitude in a work or performance: 'the film's irreverent tone.'
Patterns
- the irreverent tone of something
- a refreshingly irreverent tone
The novel's irreverent tone toward religion caused controversy.
The podcast is known for its irreverent tone toward politicians.
I enjoy the show's irreverent tone, but some viewers find it offensive.
Word forms
| plural | irreverent tones |
|---|
Common combinations
- irreverent sense of humor
- He has an irreverent sense of humor that not everyone appreciates.
- irreverent remark
- She made an irreverent remark about the CEO's speech.
- irreverent attitude
- The students showed an irreverent attitude toward the strict rules.
- irreverent take on something
- The film offers an irreverent take on history.
Synonyms and how they differ
- disrespectful
- Stronger and more negative; it suggests actual rudeness, while 'irreverent' can be playful or affectionate.
- flippant
- Focuses on not being serious when seriousness is expected; 'irreverent' focuses on lack of respect for tradition or authority.
- cheeky
- Informal and often approving; it suggests playful boldness, whereas 'irreverent' can be more critical or deliberate.
Opposites
Word family
- irreverence noun
- The quality of lacking respect for things usually treated seriously.
- irreverently adverb
- In a way that shows a lack of respect, often playfully.
Commonly confused: irreverent tone or irrelevant?
irreverent tone vs irrelevant
Sounds similar but means 'not connected to the subject.' 'Irreverent' is about disrespect; 'irrelevant' is about lack of relevance.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'irreverent tone' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The comedian's lack of respect for serious topics fits the meaning of 'irreverent.' Option An is wrong because showing respect contradicts the word; option C confuses it with 'inattentive'; option D is unrelated to respect.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “irreverent tone”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.