Pious

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈpaɪəs/
• Rhymes: -aɪəs

Origin

From Latin pīus ("pious, dutiful, blessed, kind, devout"), from Proto-Indo-European *pey- ("to adore"). Cognate with Old English fǣle ("faithful, trusty, good; dear, beloved"). More at feal.

Full definition of pious

Adjective

1. Of or pertaining to piety, exhibiting piety, devout, godfearing.

Usage notes

Sometimes used pejoratively, in the sense of "mistaken" or "false" piety, as in "pious errors", "pious frauds".

Synonyms

• reverent, reverential, dutiful, religious, devout, godly

Antonyms

• (of or pertaining to piety) impious, independent, profane

Derived terms

• piously
• piousness

Related terms

• piety