Pietism
[pahy-i-tiz-uh m]
- a movement, originating in the Lutheran Church in Germany in the 17th century, that stressed personal piety over religious formality and orthodoxy.
- the principles and practices of the Pietists.
- (lowercase) intensity of religious devotion or feeling.
- (lowercase) exaggeration or affectation of piety.
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Origin of Pietism
Synonyms
See more synonyms for Pietism on Thesaurus.com4. sanctimony.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for pietist
Historical Examples
She caused the Pietist to visit her daily and instruct her in the stern belief.
A German PompadourMarie Hay
"You are not going to be a pietist, I suppose," broke in the doctor as he filled his glass.
Fair Haven and Foul StrandAugust Strindberg
The housemaid was a pietist and allowed to be so, as much as she pleased.
The Growth of a SoulAugust Strindberg
He began to race with her, and frequented the pietist meetings.
The Son of a ServantAugust Strindberg
He was also a pietist from spiritual pride, as all pietists are.
The Son of a ServantAugust Strindberg
pietism
- a less common word for piety
- excessive, exaggerated, or affected piety or saintliness
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Pietism
- history a reform movement in the German Lutheran Churches during the 17th and 18th centuries that strove to renew the devotional ideal
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for pietist
pietism
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper