piety
/'paiəti/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The quality of being religious or reverent: Piety refers to a strong devotion to religious duties, practices, and beliefs, often demonstrated through prayer, worship, and moral conduct. 2. Dutiful respect, especially towards parents, family, or one's country: In a broader, often secular sense, piety can denote a deep sense of loyalty, respect, and duty, such as the respect a child shows to their parents.
Usage Examples
- Religious devotion:
- Her daily prayers and charitable work were clear signs of her deep piety.
- The monk's life was a model of piety and self-denial.
- Dutiful respect:
- He showed great piety towards his aging parents, caring for them diligently.
- The soldier's actions were motivated by a sense of piety towards his nation.
Advanced Usage
- "Filial piety": This is a specific and common phrase referring to the virtue of respect for one's parents, elders, and ancestors, a concept highly valued in many cultures, particularly in East Asian traditions.
- In many Asian societies, filial piety is considered one of the most important virtues.
Variants and Related Words
- Pious (adjective): Devoutly religious.
- She was a pious woman who attended church every day.
- Impiety (noun): Lack of piety or reverence; irreverence.
- His blasphemous remarks were seen as an act of impiety.
Synonyms
- Devotion: Profound dedication, especially to religion.
- Reverence: Deep respect tinged with awe.
- Godliness: The quality of being devoutly religious.
Antonyms
- Impiety: Lack of religious respect.
- Irreverence: Lack of proper respect.
- Atheism: Disbelief in the existence of a god or gods.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "To wear one's piety on one's sleeve": To make an obvious and sometimes ostentatious display of one's religious devotion.
- He donated loudly to the church collection; some felt he wore his piety on his sleeve.
Noun
- righteousness by virtue of being pious