pious

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'pious' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is deeply and feelingly devoted to religious practice and beliefs. For example, "The pious woman prayed every day to show her reverence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But his final remarks were just so pious and smug that he lost his advantage.

The Guardian - Opinion

McKibben says: "BP's 'beyond petroleum' shtick was one of the great PR moves of all time, but it never amounted to anything – nor will the pious purring noises they're making now," he argues.

The Guardian

At the risk of sounding hopelessly pious, I would suggest one above all others: reading.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a refreshing surprise to encounter these glorious matriarchs in a country infamous for machismo and misogyny, where the stereotypical ideal female is the retiring mujer abnegada – a paragon of restraint and pious self-sacrifice.

The Guardian - Travel

He expects his wife Banafsheh to dress accordingly in the pious, working class south Tehran neighborhood where we ate.

The Guardian

Of course, it's easy to get too pious about this.

The Guardian

Now the magazine has taken matters into its own hands and saved its archive from some kind of pious oblivion.

The Guardian - Opinion

It opened with numbing platitudes about "legislating for all the people" and ended with pious hopes about ridding the world of terror.

The Guardian - Opinion

Erdogan, a pious Muslim who has been in power for more than a decade, stirred up controversy on Saturday when he claimed that Muslims discovered the Americas in the 12th century, nearly three centuries before Christopher Columbus.

The Guardian

What unifies this evidence-lite package is the yawning gap between pious aspiration (not-so-pious stuff, too) and the realities it is likely to confront, including the forces – English peers as well as Scottish Nats – determined to block it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The saddest object is the little lace pin cushion, embroidered with pious mottoes in her own hair by Annie Parker.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "pious", ensure that the context clearly indicates genuine devotion rather than superficial displays of religiosity to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "pious" to describe actions that seem outwardly religious but are motivated by self-interest or a desire for social approval. This can create a perception of hypocrisy, undermining the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "pious" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe individuals or things characterized by religious devotion or reverence. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples such as "a "pious" Muslim" and ""pious" hopes."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pious" is an adjective used to describe someone deeply devoted to religion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts. While generally positive, it can sometimes imply excessive or insincere religiosity. Related terms include "devout", "religious", and "godly". When using "pious", it is important to ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretations of the speaker's intended meaning. Its frequent usage in news, business, and scientific publications positions it as a word with wide applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devout

Emphasizes a deep commitment to religious belief and practice, synonymous with "pious".

religious

Broadly indicates adherence to religious principles and practices, closely related to "pious".

godly

Highlights behavior and character that align with divine standards, sharing a spiritual dimension with "pious".

reverent

Focuses on showing deep respect and awe, particularly toward the divine, similar to the respect implied by "pious".

god-fearing

Stresses respect and obedience to God, often implying a strong moral compass, closely related to "pious".

saintly

Suggests an exceptionally virtuous and holy character, an elevated form of "pious".

righteous

Highlights moral uprightness and adherence to ethical principles, conveying a similar sense of moral commitment as "pious".

holy

Indicates sacredness and dedication to religious purposes, sharing a core aspect of religious devotion with "pious".

virtuous

Emphasizes moral excellence and goodness, implying a strong commitment to ethical behavior as seen in a "pious" person.

spiritual

Focuses on the non-material aspect of life and a connection to something greater, overlapping with the religious aspect of "pious".

FAQs

How is the word "pious" typically used in a sentence?

The word "pious" is usually employed to describe individuals or groups who demonstrate deep religious devotion. For example, "The "devout" monks lived a "pious" life dedicated to prayer and contemplation."

What are some words I can use instead of "pious"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like ""devout"", "religious", or "godly" as alternatives to "pious". Each carries a slightly different nuance but generally conveys a strong sense of religious commitment.

What is the difference between "pious" and "sanctimonious"?

"Pious" generally describes someone genuinely devoted to their religion. "Sanctimonious", on the other hand, describes someone who makes a show of being morally superior, often hypocritically. Being "pious" is about genuine faith, while being sanctimonious is about projecting a false image of "righteousness".

Is it always positive to describe someone as "pious"?

While "pious" often carries a positive connotation, suggesting deep religious devotion, it can sometimes be used negatively to imply excessive or insincere religiosity. The interpretation often depends on the specific context and the speaker's perspective. Saying someone is "devout" has less chance of being interpreted negatively.