Devout

/dɪˈvaʊt/

adjectivemedium📊CommonEmotion
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Feeling, exhibiting, or characterized by a strong belief in and reverence for a deity.

/dɪˈvaʊt/

adjectivepositivemedium
Emotion

Having or showing deep religious feeling or commitment.

The devout parishioners attended the church service every Sunday.

💡 Simply: Imagine someone super serious about their religion, like they pray a lot, go to church often, and really believe in what they do. That person is devout!

👶 For kids: When someone really, really believes in something, especially about God or a special religion, they are devout!

More Examples

2

He was known for his devout adherence to traditional values.

3

Her devout nature was evident in her daily acts of charity.

How It's Used

Religious Studies

"The devout monks spent their days in prayer and contemplation."

Literature

"She was a devout follower of her faith."

2

Characterized by earnestness or sincerity; wholehearted.

/dɪˈvaʊt/

adjectivepositivemedium
Emotion

Earnest; sincere

She offered a devout thank you to those who helped her.

💡 Simply: If you're truly, deeply sincere about something, like giving a devout apology or expressing devout gratitude, it means you mean it from your heart!

👶 For kids: If you really, really mean what you say, and you're honest and sincere about it, you're being devout, too!

More Examples

2

The devout plea for help was immediately answered by the community.

3

The actor gave a devout portrayal of the character, showing commitment to every scene.

How It's Used

General Conversation

"He gave a devout apology after the argument."

Tip:Think of someone 'devoted' to a cause - they're giving it their all and therefore, being devout.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

devout believer

Someone who has a strong faith or belief in something (typically religion).

"She's a devout believer in the power of prayer."

From Middle English devoute, from Old French devot, from Latin devotus (“devoted, dedicated”), past participle of devovere (“to vow, devote”).

The word 'devout' has been used for centuries, originally appearing in religious texts.

Memory tip

Think of a 'vow' (part of the word) - a devout person keeps their promises to their faith.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"dedicated, vowed"

devout believerdevout followerdevout prayerdevout faithdevout life

Common misspellings

devoutedevot

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written