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piety

PY-uh-tee /ˈpaɪəti/

nounC1GRESATUPSC

formalliterary

Devotion to God or to religious duties and obligations; reverent respect for family, country, or belief.

Combines deep reverence with consistent outward action and moral duty.

The story behind the word. From Roman 'pietas', one of the highest ancient virtues. For Romans like Virgil's hero Aeneas ('pious Aeneas'), pietas meant fulfilling obligations to gods, homeland, and parents in perfect balance.

Word relationships

devotion: 'Devotion' is strong personal love/loyalty; 'piety' includes formal duty, reverence, and religious obligation.
reverence: 'Reverence' is deep feeling of respect; 'piety' is the ongoing lifestyle or practice of that respect.

impiety: 'Impiety' is a lack of respect for sacred things or family duties.
irreverence: 'Irreverence' is a disrespectful, playful, or mocking attitude toward sacred things.

Commonly confused with

Pity: 'Pity' is feeling sorrow for another's suffering; 'piety' is religious reverence and devotion.

Word family

pious (adjective): Devoutly religious or reverent.
piously (adverb): In a devout or reverent manner.

Collocations

filial piety
deep piety
expression of piety
acts of piety

Example sentences

"Her genuine piety was demonstrated by quiet acts of charity rather than boastful speeches." Character Description
"In Roman culture, piety meant devotion not only to gods but also to parents and ancestors." Historical Narrative

Memory hook

PIETY demands DUTY to God and family. Dutiful reverence and faithful living.

When not to use

Do not use 'pious' or 'piety' if you mean self-righteous hypocrisy unless using it in a distinctly satirical context.

Fun facts

In Confucian philosophy, 'filial piety' (xiao) is considered the foundational virtue for all human goodness and social order.