devout

adjective

de·​vout di-ˈvau̇t 

1

: committed or devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises

a devout Catholic

2

: expressing piety or religious fervor : expressing devotion

a devout attitude

3

a

: devoted to a pursuit, belief, or mode of behavior : serious, earnest

a devout baseball fan

born a devout coward

—G. B. Shaw

b

: warmly sincere

a devout wish for peace

devoutly adverb

devoutness noun

Synonyms

• constant
• dedicated
• devoted
• down-the-line
• faithful
• fast
• good
• loyal
• pious
• staunch
• stanch
• steadfast
• steady
• true
• true-blue

Examples of devout in a Sentence

It is his devout wish to help people in need.

devout Red Sox fans never lost faith during the long World Series drought

Recent Examples on the Web

Hunter believes Smit, a devout Christian, crossed a line. —Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2024

Participating in American commercial Christmas does not mean participating in the Christian faith and takes nothing away from our devout Christian friends who celebrate a sacred holiday. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

First and foremost is the fact that the Singhs are devout Christians — a reminder of the fact that there are almost 28 million Christians in India, let alone the diaspora. —Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 18 Dec. 2024

Whether your giftee is a devout Salt & Straw follower or new to the beloved ice cream shop, this frosty gift is sure to satisfy their sweet cravings. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin devotus, from Latin, past participle of devovēre — see devote

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

devout

adjective

de·​vout di-ˈvau̇t 

1

: devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises

2

: expressing devotion

a devout attitude

3

a

: devoted to an activity, belief, or type of behavior

a devout baseball fan

b

: earnest entry 2 sense 1, sincere

gave them devout thanks

devoutly adverb

devoutness noun