Pious Meaning and Definition

Pious

Pious

Pronunciation

/ˈpiːəs/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who is devout and sincere in their religious beliefs and practices, often characterized by a strong sense of morality and ethics.

Examples

  • The pious monk spent hours meditating in his cell.
  • The devout priest was known for his pious sermons.

Synonyms

  • Devout
  • Religious
  • Moral

Antonyms

  • Wicked
  • Irreligious

Etymology

The word “pious” comes from the Latin “pius,” meaning “devoted to the gods,” and has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe someone who is genuinely religious and sincere.

Usage Notes

Pious is often used to describe someone who is seen as a model of devotion, but it can also be used to describe someone who is overly concerned with appearances or external displays of piety.

Cultural References

Pious has appeared in numerous works of literature and film, including the famous novel “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, where the character of Arthur Dimmesdale is described as pious.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • Pious lips swear, but the heart is far from God.
  • Pious and puffed up is a curse to the Lord.

Related Words or Phrases

  • Devout
  • Religious
  • Moral
  • Righteous

Collocations

  • Pious heart
  • Pious words
  • Pious deeds

Frequency of Use

Pious is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone’s religious beliefs and practices.

Common Misspellings

  • Piuous
  • Piious
  • Piouse

Related Words