pious
adjective/ˈpaɪəs/
/ˈpaɪəs/
- having or showing a deep respect for God and religion synonym devout
- pious acts
- (disapproving) pretending to be religious, moral or good in order to impress other people synonym sanctimonious
- pious sentiments
- He dismissed his critics as pious do-gooders.
- a rather pious and condescending smile
- pious hope something that you want to happen but is unlikely to be achieved
- Such reforms seem likely to remain little more than pious hopes.
Word Originlate Middle English: from Latin pius ‘dutiful, pious’ + -ous.
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pious