Pious
'paɪəs
Definitions
2 meaningsDevoutly religious; making a show of being morally good; characterized by a hypocritical concern with virtue or religious devotion.
'paɪəs
Having or showing religious devotion.
The villagers were known for their pious lifestyle, always attending church.
💡 Simply: Being super religious and showing it, like always going to church or praying. Imagine your grandma always talking about God and doing good things - she's being pious!
👶 For kids: Being very, very good and religious.
More Examples
She made a pious donation to the church.
The old man was a pious individual who always spoke of God.
How It's Used
"A pious family often attends church and practices daily prayers."
"The hero in the novel was portrayed as a pious man, always seeking divine guidance."
Characterized by a show of earnest concern for maintaining religious principles or a high standard of moral conduct.
'paɪəs
Earnestly wishing to do what is right or proper.
They had pious hopes for peace.
💡 Simply: Wanting to do the right thing, like trying to make a good decision or have good intentions. Like having a pious wish that everyone be happy.
👶 For kids: Wanting to do what's good and right.
More Examples
Despite his failures, he maintained a pious belief in the goodness of people.
She made a pious effort to follow all the rules.
How It's Used
"The pious intentions of the monarch were often questioned."
"She had pious hopes for a better future."
Idioms & expressions
pious fraud
A deception or lie that is motivated by a sincere (or at least professed) desire to help or benefit someone, especially in a religious or moral context.
"Some critics have described the story of the miracle as a pious fraud."
pious wishes
Hopes, desires, or aspirations that are often expressed but may not have much practical likelihood of being fulfilled.
"Despite the efforts of the diplomats, all that remained were pious wishes for peace."
From Latin *pius* meaning 'dutiful, devout,' ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *p(e)i- 'to be fat, to be full,' figuratively 'abounding, rich, blessed, well-disposed.' The word evolved to emphasize religious devotion and reverence.
Historically used to describe individuals and communities devoted to religious practices and beliefs. The term was often used in religious texts and literature.