piously
/ˈpaɪəsli/
adverb
- In a way that shows strong religious belief or devotion.
- He piously bowed his head during the blessing.
- She piously attended church every Sunday without fail.
- The monk piously recited his prayers before dawn.
- In a way that pretends to be morally good or religious, often to impress others.
- He piously claimed to care about the poor, but never donated a cent.
- She piously lectured her friends about honesty while cheating on her taxes.
- The politician piously spoke of family values while ignoring his own scandals.
Antonyms