Definition
Devout is an adjective that describes someone who is deeply religious, pious, or devoted to a particular faith or belief system.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Pious, religious, dedicated, faithful, devoutly
Antonyms
Irreligious, impious, atheistic, sacrilegious
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | devoutnesses, devoutness |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | devout |
| Adverb | devoutly |
Example Sentences
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She was a devout Catholic who attended mass every day and took her faith very seriously.
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His devout dedication to the teachings of Buddha inspired others in his community to seek greater spiritual fulfillment.
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Mary, a devout follower of her faith, found solace in her daily rituals of prayer, immersing herself in sacred texts, and attending religious gatherings, as she sought to deepen her spiritual connection and live a life guided by her unwavering devotion to her beliefs.
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As a devout Hindu, he followed the traditional customs and practices of his faith, including regular meditation and the observance of holy days.
Usage
The word devout is often used to describe people who are deeply committed to their religious beliefs or practices. It can also be used more broadly to describe someone who is deeply dedicated or passionate about any particular cause or belief system, even if it is not religious in nature.
The word devout can be used with a variety of prefixes and suffixes to create related words with different shades of meaning. For example, the prefix “un-” can be added to create “undevout,” meaning not devout or lacking in religious commitment. The suffix “-ly” can be added to create “devoutly,” meaning with great devotion or religious fervor. Other related words include “devotion,” “devotional,” and “devotee.”
It’s worth noting that the word devout can have different connotations depending on the context in which it is used. In some cases, it may be used as a compliment to describe someone’s deeply-held beliefs and moral convictions. In other cases, it may be used as a criticism to suggest that someone is overly rigid or dogmatic in their religious beliefs. As with any word, it’s important to consider the context in which it is used to fully understand its meaning and connotations.