pious
adj.adj. showing deep respect for a religion and following its rules carefully. It can also describe someone who acts like they are better than others because of their beliefs.
adj. demonstrating deep religious devotion and dutiful observance of religious rites. Often carries a pejorative nuance when describing a hypocritical or self-righteous display of virtue.
The pious man spends every morning in quiet prayer.
She was known for her pious lifestyle, dedicating most of her weekends to charity work and church services.
The biography portrays him not as a cynical politician, but as a truly pious individual whose policy decisions were deeply rooted in his spiritual convictions.
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *pewH- Proto-Italic *pwījosder. Latin piusbor. English pious Borrowed from Latin pīus (“pious, dutiful, blessed, kind, devout”), from Proto-Indo-European *pewH- (“pure”). Cognate with Old English fǣle (“faithful, trusty, good; dear, beloved”). More at feal.
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'remain' or 'appear'; frequently modifies nouns related to people, acts, or hopes.