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Piously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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piously

[ˈpaɪəsli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in religious context

In a devout or religious manner; showing reverence or devotion.

Synonyms

devoutly, religiously, reverently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
piously

Used to describe someone who is outwardly and perhaps insincerely displaying their religious feelings or virtues.

  • He piously recited the prayer, hoping to impress the congregation
devoutly

Refers to someone who sincerely practices their religion or exhibits deep dedication in their beliefs.

  • She devoutly attends church every Sunday without fail
religiously

Indicates a consistent and often habitual practice, which may or may not pertain to actual religious activities.

  • He religiously goes to the gym every morning at 6 AM
reverently

Describes showing deep respect and admiration, often in a solemn or sacred context.

  • They bowed their heads reverently during the national anthem

Examples of usage

  • She knelt piously in prayer.
  • He piously attended church every Sunday.
  • The monks piously chanted their prayers.
  • The old lady piously crossed herself before entering the church.
Context #2 | Adverb

in moral context

In a morally upright or virtuous manner.

Synonyms

righteously, uprightly, virtuously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
piously

Used when describing someone who is very religious or devout, often implying a sense of sanctimony.

  • She donates to charities piously every month.
  • He prays piously every morning.
righteously

Used to describe actions or attitudes that are morally right or justifiable, often implying strong moral conviction.

  • He fought righteously for the rights of the oppressed.
  • She always speaks out righteously against injustice.
virtuously

Used to describe someone who consistently demonstrates moral excellence and goodness.

  • She lived her life virtuously, helping others whenever she could.
  • He is known for acting virtuously in all his business dealings.
uprightly

Describes someone who acts in a morally correct and honest manner.

  • He behaved uprightly even in difficult situations.
  • She always dealt with her clients uprightly.

Examples of usage

  • He piously followed the teachings of his parents.
  • She piously upheld her integrity in the face of temptation.
  • Despite the challenges, he piously maintained his honesty.
  • The ruler governed piously, always considering the welfare of his people.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religion

  • Many religious texts emphasize the importance of acting piously as a reflection of faith and spirituality.
  • In Christianity, piety is associated with virtuous behavior and a deep commitment to God.
  • Buddhism regards pious actions as a way to accumulate good karma.

Cultural Representation

  • Throughout history, art and literature often depict characters whose pious behavior serves as moral lessons.
  • In many cultures, festivals and rituals are expressions of pious devotion, such as Ramadan in Islam or Lent in Christianity.
  • Film and literature frequently explore the tension between piety and personal desire, showcasing human struggles in faith.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals who act piously often experience a stronger sense of community and belonging.
  • Pious behavior can lead to feelings of happiness and fulfillment, enhancing overall well-being.
  • Conversely, excessive piety may result in self-righteousness, where individuals judge others harshly based on their beliefs.

Literature

  • Piously-themed narratives appear in classic literature, exploring moral dilemmas and the consequences of virtue.
  • Authors like Dante Alighieri emphasized piety in their works, linking it to salvation and moral integrity.
  • Modern works sometimes critique pious displays as hypocritical, addressing the complexity of faith in everyday life.

Origin of 'piously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'piously' comes from the Latin term 'pius', meaning devoted or dutiful.
  • In Old French, 'pieux' meant 'devout' which influenced its usage in English.
  • The term has evolved to describe actions that reflect religious devotion since the 14th century.

The word 'piously' originated from the Middle English word 'piously', from Old French 'pieusement', from Latin 'pietatem' meaning 'piety'. It has been used since the 14th century to describe actions performed with reverence or devotion, especially in a religious or moral context.

See also: impious, piousness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,437, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.