Pious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pious
[ˈpaɪəs ]
Definitions
sincere
Devoutly religious or virtuous; holy
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pious |
Describes someone who is deeply religious and shows strong devotion to their faith. Often used to highlight someone's outward expressions of their religious beliefs.
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| devout |
Indicates a person who is very committed or dedicated to religious duties or exercises. This word emphasizes sincerity and earnestness.
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| religious |
A general term used to describe someone who practices or believes in a religion. It does not necessarily imply the depth of the person's devotion.
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| virtuous |
Refers to someone who behaves in a morally good or righteous way. This word is not limited to religious contexts and can describe general moral behavior.
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Examples of usage
- She was admired for her pious deeds.
- The pious man prayed every morning.
- The pious ceremony was attended by many believers.
hypocritical
Making a hypocritical display of virtue; falsely virtuous
Synonyms
pharisaic, sanctimonious, self-righteous.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pious |
Used to describe someone who is very religious or devoted to their faith in a sincere and positive manner.
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| sanctimonious |
Used to describe someone who behaves as if they are morally superior to others, often in an insincere or affected way. It has a negative connotation.
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| self-righteous |
Used to describe someone who feels or behaves as if they are morally better than others, without recognizing their own faults. It has a negative connotation.
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| pharisaic |
Used to describe someone who is hypocritical about their moral or religious beliefs, often implying a lack of true sincerity. It has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He put on a pious act in front of others.
- His pious words did not match his actions.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Religion
- In many faiths, being pious involves not only worship but also living a morally upright life.
- Pious acts can include prayer, charity, and following religious rituals.
- In some cultures, displaying piety might be accompanied by specific dress codes or rituals during worship.
Literature
- The term has been explored in many literary works, often depicting characters who are morally upright or hypocritical.
- In John Milton's 'Paradise Lost', pious behavior highlights the contrasting themes of good and evil throughout the narrative.
Psychology
- Research suggests that individuals who practice their beliefs regularly may experience greater feelings of community and purpose.
- Pious behavior can be a source of both comfort and stress, depending on personal experiences or societal expectations.
Cultural Views
- In some cultures, being pious is highly valued and often seen as a sign of strong character.
- There can be a distinction between genuine piety and performative piety, where actions are taken more for show than for true belief.
Origin of 'pious'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'pius', which means 'devout' or 'dutiful'.
- In ancient Rome, 'pius' was often used to describe someone who followed the gods' wishes faithfully.
The word 'pious' originated from the Latin word 'pius' meaning 'dutiful, devout, faithful'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe individuals who are deeply religious or virtuous. Over time, 'pious' has evolved to also carry connotations of hypocrisy or insincerity when used in certain contexts.
See also: impiety.