Etymology Map
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Pious

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means deeply religious

Where does the word "pious" come from? It comes from Latin pius, adopted directly into English (1600s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
pius
Latin · ancient
"dutiful"
Virgil's hero is 'pius Aeneas'
2
Stage 2 of 2
pious
English · 1600s
"devout"
'pious hope' dates from the 1700s
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Pious’s story begins in Latin: pius meant “dutiful.” Virgil's hero is 'pius Aeneas'. It reached English by 1600s as pious. 'pious hope' dates from the 1700s. Today, pious means deeply religious.