What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
devout
Example
She is a devout Christian who attends church every Sunday. [devout: adjective]
Example
He prayed with devout fervor, his heart full of faith. [devout: adverb]
pious
Example
She is a pious Muslim who observes all the religious customs and traditions. [pious: adjective]
Example
His pious behavior seemed more like a show than a genuine expression of faith. [pious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Devout is more commonly used than pious in everyday language. Devout is a more positive term that emphasizes sincerity and authenticity, while pious can have a negative connotation of insincerity or hypocrisy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between devout and pious?
Both devout and pious are formal words that are often used in religious or spiritual contexts. However, devout is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while pious is more commonly used in formal or literary contexts.
