devout
[dih-vout]
- devoted to divine worship or service; pious; religious: a devout Catholic.
- expressing devotion or piety: devout prayer.
- earnest or sincere; hearty: He had a devout allegiance to the political regime.
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Origin of devout
1175–1225; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French devo(u)t < Late Latin dēvotus, Latin: devoted; see devote
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comAntonyms
1. irreverent.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
passionately, forcefully, eagerly, quickly, sincerely, boldly, zealously, strenuously, earnestly, resolutely, firmly, robustly, healthily, actively, wholeheartedly, decidedly, forcibly, powerfully, devoutly, fearlesslyExamples from the Web for devoutly
Contemporary Examples
One of the most devoutly sought goals for which the Brits travel to the United States is rehabilitation.
In an obscure, devoutly Muslim ethnic group in Indonesia, women are revered—and own key land and property.
Moreover, killing bin Laden gave him the consummation he most devoutly wished, namely a fast-track to paradise.
Politically conservative and devoutly religious, my parents are the antithesis to Cyrus in every way.
Ever the good church lady, she folds her body into devoutly prayerful form, on cue.
Historical Examples
"Thank goodness for a good many things," said Mr. Hammond, devoutly.
Thankful's InheritanceJoseph C. Lincoln
I devoutly wished I might see his face when he read my letter.
Kent Knowles: QuahaugJoseph C. Lincoln
Albert devoutly wished they had jumped—and landed—before his arrival.
The PortygeeJoseph Crosby Lincoln
For Arlt's sake, Thayer devoutly hoped that the supper would be a success.
The Dominant StrainAnna Chapin Ray
I devoutly hoped that permission would be refused, but it was not.
RecollectionsDavid Christie Murray
devout
- deeply religious; reverent
- sincere; earnest; heartfelta devout confession
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Word Origin
C13: from Old French devot, from Late Latin dēvōtus, from Latin: faithful; see devote
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for devoutly
devout
adj.
early 13c., from Old French devot "pious, devoted, assiduous," from Latin devotus "given up by vow, devoted," past participle of devovere "dedicate by vow" (see devotion).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper