devout

Devout — De*vout , a. [OE. devot, devout, F. d[ e]vot, from L. devotus devoted, p. p. of devovere. See {Devote}, v. t.] 1. Devoted to religion or to religious feelings and duties; absorbed in religious exercises; given to devotion; pious; reverent;… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

devout — devout, pious, religious, pietistic, sanctimonious apply mainly to persons, their acts, and their words and mean showing fervor and reverence in the practice of religion. Devout stresses an attitude of mind or a feeling that leads one to such… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

devout — [di vout′] adj. [ME < OFr devot < L devotus, devoted (in LL(Ec), devout): see DEVOTE] 1. very religious; pious 2. showing reverence 3. earnest; sincere; heartfelt devoutly adv. devoutness n. SYN. DEVOUT implies sincere, worshipful devotion… …   English World dictionary

devout — ► ADJECTIVE 1) deeply religious. 2) earnestly sincere: my devout hope. DERIVATIVES devoutly adverb devoutness noun. ORIGIN Latin devotus devoted , from devovere consecrate …   English terms dictionary

Devout — De*vout , n. 1. A devotee. [Obs.] Sheldon. [1913 Webster] 2. A devotional composition, or part of a composition; devotion. [Obs.] Milton. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

devout — index faithful (loyal), serious (devoted), solemn, zealous Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

devout — early 13c., from O.Fr. devot pious, devoted, assiduous, from L. devotus given up by vow, devoted, pp. of devovere dedicate by vow (see DEVOTION (Cf. devotion)) …   Etymology dictionary

devout — [adj] sincerely believing; devoted adherent, adoring, ardent, deep, earnest, faithful, fervent, fervid, genuine, godly, goody goody*, goody two shoes*, heart and soul, heartfelt, holy, intense, orthodox, passionate, pietistic, pious, prayerful,… …   New thesaurus

devout — [[t]dɪva͟ʊt[/t]] 1) ADJ GRADED A devout person has deep religious beliefs. She was a devout Christian... His devout Catholicism appeals to ordinary people. N PLURAL: the N The devout are people who are devout. ...priests instructing the devout.… …   English dictionary

devout — adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo French, from Late Latin devotus, from Latin, past participle of devovēre Date: 13th century 1. devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises 2. expressing devotion or piety < a …   New Collegiate Dictionary

devout — de|vout [dıˈvaut] adj [Date: 1100 1200; : Old French; Origin: devot, from Latin devotus; DEVOTE] 1.) someone who is devout has a very strong belief in a religion ▪ a devout Catholic 2.) formal a devout hope or wish is one that you feel very… …   Dictionary of contemporary English