pious
|pi-ous|
B2
/ˈpaɪəs/
devout or dutiful
Etymology
Etymology Information
'pious' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'pius,' meaning 'dutiful' or 'devout.'
Historical Evolution
'pius' transformed into the Old French word 'pieux,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pious.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'dutiful' or 'devout,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having or showing a dutiful spirit of reverence for God or an earnest wish to fulfill religious obligations.
She was a pious woman who attended church every Sunday.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
characterized by a hypocritical display of virtue.
His pious remarks were not taken seriously by his colleagues.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40