What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Devout vs Pious - What's the difference?

devout | pious |

Pious is a synonym of devout.



As adjectives the difference between devout and pious

is that devout is devoted to religion or to religious feelings and duties; absorbed in religious exercises; given to devotion; pious; reverent; religious while pious is of or pertaining to piety, exhibiting piety, devout, godfearing.

As a noun devout

is a devotee.

devout

English

Adjective

(en-adj)
  • Devoted to religion or to religious feelings and duties; absorbed in religious exercises; given to devotion; pious; reverent; religious.
  • * Bible, Acts x. 2
  • a devout man, and one that feared God
  • * Rogers
  • We must be constant and devout in the worship of God.
  • (archaic) Expressing devotion or piety.
  • devout''' sighs; '''devout''' eyes; a '''devout posture
  • Warmly devoted; hearty; sincere; earnest.
  • devout wishes for one's welfare

    Noun

    (s)
  • (obsolete) A devotee.
  • (obsolete) A devotional composition, or part of a composition; devotion.
  • References

    *

    pious

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Of or pertaining to piety, exhibiting piety, devout, godfearing.
  • * 2014, (Paul Salopek), Blessed. Cursed. Claimed. , National Geographic (December 2014)[http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2014/12/pilgrim-roads/salopek-text]
  • Its male residents dress like crows: heavy black suits, black Borsalino hats, the old grandfathers hugely whiskered and the boys in peot, the curled sidelocks of the pious .

    Usage notes

    * Sometimes used pejoratively, in the sense of "mistaken" or "false" piety, as in "pious errors", "pious frauds".

    Synonyms

    * reverent, reverential, dutiful, religious, devout, godly

    Antonyms

    * (of or pertaining to piety) impious, independent, profane

    Derived terms

    * piously * piousness