1 having or showing a deep respect for God and religion:
pious acts
OPPIMPIOUS
seealsoPIETY
2 (disapproving) pretending to be religious, moral or good in order to impress other people:
pious sentiments * He dismissed his critics as pious do-gooders.
3 ~ hope something that you want to happen but is unlikely to be achieved:
Such reforms seem likely to remain little more than pious hopes.
piously adverb:
'There's no need for bad language,' said Edward piously.
