Pious: meaning, definitions and examples

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pious

[ˈpaɪəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

sincere

Devoutly religious or virtuous; holy

Synonyms

devout, religious, virtuous.

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. She is a pious woman who attends church every Sunday. His pious demeanor impressed everyone at the congregation.
devout	Indicates a person who is very committed or dedicated to religious duties or exercises. This word emphasizes sincerity and earnestness. He is a devout follower of his faith, praying five times a day. The devout monk spent hours in meditation.
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. She comes from a very religious family who celebrate all the festivals. He is not very religious but respects other people's beliefs.
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. She is known for her virtuous actions and honest nature. The virtuous knight always stood up for what was right.

Examples of usage

She was admired for her pious deeds.
The pious man prayed every morning.
The pious ceremony was attended by many believers.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. She is a pious woman, attending church every Sunday and volunteering at the local shelter
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. Her sanctimonious tone made everyone uncomfortable, as she criticized others for not donating while she herself did very little
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. He can be very self-righteous, always quick to judge people who don't share his values
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. His pharisaic attitude was evident when he preached about honesty but was later caught lying

Examples of usage

He put on a pious act in front of others.
His pious words did not match his actions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "pious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 piedoso

🇮🇳 धार्मिक

🇩🇪 fromm

🇮🇩 saleh

🇺🇦 побожний

🇵🇱 pobożny

🇯🇵 敬虔な (けいけんな)

🇫🇷 pieux

🇪🇸 piadoso

🇹🇷 dindar

🇰🇷 경건한

🇸🇦 تقي

🇨🇿 zbožný

🇸🇰 zbožný

🇨🇳 虔诚的 (qiánchéng de)

🇸🇮 pobožen

🇮🇸 guðrækinn

🇰🇿 құдайшыл

🇬🇪 მორწმუნე

🇦🇿 dindar

🇲🇽 piadoso

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,341 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
7338 candle
7339 blows
7340 darker
7341 pious
7342 honesty
7343 trivial
7344 literal
...