Meaning & Definition of word "Pious"
Pious
/ˈpaɪ.əs/
adjective:
- 1. Devoutly religious or displaying a strong adherence to religious practices.
- Example: Her pious nature was evident in her daily prayers and acts of charity.
- 2. Exhibiting a hypocritical display of virtue or morality.
- Example: He made pious statements about helping the poor, but his actions showed otherwise.
Etymology
●Middle English, from Old French 'pieux', from Latin 'pius'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
pious hope:
A hope that is overly idealistic or unrealistic.
pious wish:
A desire that stems from a religious or moral belief.
pious fraud:
An act of deception that is justified by a presumed moral purpose.
Related Words
devotion:
The quality of being dedicated to a cause or purpose.
sanctity:
The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or valuable.
religiosity:
Excessively religious or having a strong religious sentiment.
Slang Meanings of pious
Meaning: Goody-two-shoes
● Example Sentence: She's always playing the pious goody-two-shoes in class.
Meaning: Holier-than-thou
● Example Sentence: His pious attitude gave off a holier-than-thou vibe.