noun

piety

PIE-uh-tee/ˈpaɪəti/

Deep devotion to God or religious practice.

The man's piety shows in his reverent posture as he kneels in prayer.

Devout man kneels in prayer on simple unlettered prayer rug, hands raised near chest and lowered gaze, quietly reverent, neutral white surroundings, no ornate mosque or text.

Etymology

pietyLatinduty, loyalty, religious devotion

Latin pietas embraced duty and loyalty to family and country as well as religious devotion. The selected meaning centers that sense of faithful obligation on reverence for God.

In context

US National Archives36:32

her religious piety required that she shun quote the follies and amusements of the world and therefore ban hard liquor dancing and car playing from the White House

Lady First: The World of First Lady Sarah Polk

More examples

The monk is known for his quiet piety.
She expresses her piety through fasting during holy days.
He values sincere piety more than public displays of faith.

Forms

piety

pious adjective — Devoted to God and religious practice.

piously adverb — In a deeply religious or devout manner.

Similar words

devotion: Emphasizes religious commitment but also applies to nonreligious loyalties.
reverence: Emphasizes deep respect and awe rather than religious practice.