adjective

pious

PIE-us/ˈpaɪəs/

Showing deep devotion to religion.

Her pious grandmother begins each morning with a quiet prayer.

Devout woman holds small wooden cross gently between hands at chest while bowing head with peaceful eyes closed, half figure with white background, reverent duties, no writing.

Etymology

Latin pius covered dutiful respect and affection toward family as well as religious devotion. The selected English sense focuses that broader idea of faithful duty on reverence for God and religious obligations.

In context

YaleCourses28:04

A pious child would naturally love the Psalms which in Brocklehurst's mind are the songs of angels

Lecture 21. Biblical Poetry: Psalms and Song of Songs

More examples

He remains pious even when illness keeps him from church.
The pious family gathers to read scripture every evening.
For these pious pilgrims, the journey is an act of worship.

Forms

pious

piously adverb — In a way showing religious devotion.

piety noun — Deep devotion to religious beliefs and practices.

Similar words

devout: Emphasizes sincere, committed dedication to religious belief and practice.
religious: Can describe religious affiliation without implying deep personal devotion.
reverent: Emphasizes deep respect or awe, not necessarily religious commitment.