Piousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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piousness
[หpaษชษsnษs ]
Definitions
religious devotion
Piousness is the quality of being devoted to religious beliefs and practices. It involves a deep reverence for God or a higher power, often expressed through prayer, worship, and adherence to religious teachings.
Synonyms
devotion, piety, religiousness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| piousness |
Piousness often conveys a strict or formal adherence to religious rituals and practices. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation if it implies hypocrisy or excessive outward display of religion.
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| devotion |
Devotion can be used more broadly than the other terms, as it implies a strong love or commitment not only to religion but also to a person, cause, or activity. It is generally positive and can be used in various situations.
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| piety |
This term is commonly used in a positive sense to describe someone with deep religious feelings and respect. It can be used broadly, including in both formal and informal settings.
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| religiousness |
Religiousness refers to the state of being religious and is generally neutral. It describes a person's level of faith or religious commitment and is suitable in formal discussions about faith or religious behavior.
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Examples of usage
- Her piousness was evident in the way she attended church every Sunday without fail.
- The monk's piousness was admired by all who knew him.
moral righteousness
Piousness can also refer to a strict adherence to moral principles and a sense of righteousness. It involves living a virtuous and morally upright life, often guided by one's religious beliefs.
Synonyms
moral uprightness, righteousness, virtue.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| piousness |
Used when describing someone's deep religious beliefs or actions that are devoted to worship and religious practices.
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| righteousness |
Used to describe behavior that is morally right or justifiable, often with a sense of strong adherence to principles or laws.
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| virtue |
Refers to qualities deemed morally good or desirable in a person, like kindness, honesty, and integrity.
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| moral uprightness |
Appropriate for describing someone's adherence to moral principles and ethical behavior in various aspects of life.
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Examples of usage
- His piousness was reflected in his honesty and integrity in all his dealings.
- The leader's piousness inspired trust and respect among his followers.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, piousness is associated with charity and helping those in need, reflecting one's moral integrity.
- Countries with strong religious traditions often emphasize piousness in their education and societal values.
- In literature, characters displaying piousness may represent moral ideals or serve to critique hypocrisy.
Psychology
- Research suggests that individuals with a higher sense of piousness often report greater life satisfaction.
- Pious behavior can influence community cohesion, fostering trust and cooperation among group members.
- People may sometimes engage in pious acts more for social acceptance than genuine belief, illustrating complex human motivations.
Historical Context
- During the Middle Ages, the church encouraged piousness, driving the construction of grand cathedrals as symbols of devotion.
- Certain historical figures, like Mahatma Gandhi, are celebrated not just for their actions but for their pious way of life.
- The Reformation in the 16th century targeted the notion of piousness, arguing for personal faith over ritualistic practices.
Comparative Analysis
- Piousness varies significantly across religionsโwhat is considered pious in one faith may be less emphasized in another.
- In contrast to secular morality, piousness usually involves a spiritual or divine authority guiding moral actions.
- In contemporary society, the concept of piousness is often critiqued for potentially fostering judgmental attitudes.
Origin of 'piousness'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin term 'pius', which means 'devout' or 'dutiful'.
- It first appeared in the English language around the 14th century, embodying a sense of seriousness in faith.
- Pious originally indicated a sense of loyalty, particularly towards family and divine responsibilities.
The word 'piousness' originated from the Latin word 'pius', meaning 'dutiful' or 'devout'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe religious devotion and moral righteousness. Throughout history, piousness has been valued in many cultures as a sign of faith and moral integrity.