What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pious
Example
She was known for her pious devotion to her religion. [pious: adjective]
Example
The monk spent hours in pious contemplation and prayer. [pious: adverb]
religious
Example
He is a deeply religious person who attends church every Sunday. [religious: adjective]
Example
The museum has a collection of religious artifacts from around the world. [religious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Religious is more commonly used than pious in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more versatile.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pious and religious?
Both pious and religious can be used in formal or informal contexts, but pious may be perceived as more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.
