PIOUS


Meaning of PIOUS in English

adj.

Pronunciation: ' p ī - ə s

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin pius

Date: 15th century

1 a : marked by or showing reverence for deity and devotion to divine worship b : marked by conspicuous religiosity <a hypocrite—a thing all pious words and uncharitable deeds ― Charles Reade>

2 : sacred or devotional as distinct from the profane or secular : RELIGIOUS <a pious opinion>

3 : showing loyal reverence for a person or thing : DUTIFUL

4 a : marked by sham or hypocrisy b : marked by self-conscious virtue : VIRTUOUS

5 : deserving commendation : WORTHY <a pious effort>

– pi · ous · ly adverb

– pi · ous · ness noun

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.