piety

noun pi·e·ty \ˈpī-ə-tē\

: devotion to God : the quality or state of being pious

plural pi·e·ties

Full Definition of PIETY

: the quality or state of being pious: as

a : fidelity to natural obligations (as to parents)

b : dutifulness in religion : devoutness

: an act inspired by piety

: a conventional belief or standard : orthodoxy

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Origin of PIETY

French pieté piety, pity, from Old French, from Latin pietat-, pietas, from pius dutiful, pious

First Known Use: 1579

Related to PIETY

Synonyms: devotion, faith, religion

Antonyms: atheism, godlessness

Synonym Discussion of PIETY

fidelity, allegiance, fealty, loyalty, devotion, piety mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty. fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty <marital fidelity>. allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country <pledging allegiance>. fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow <fealty to the truth>. loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray <valued the loyalty of his friends>. devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication <a painter's devotion to her art>. piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental <filial piety>.

PIETY Defined for Kids