Pietistic describes an excessive or exaggerated display of religious devotion, often characterized by a focus on personal piety, emotional fervor, and a separation from worldly concerns. This can manifest in a self-righteous attitude, an emphasis on personal feelings about God, and a tendency to judge others' faith. It can also involve a meticulous adherence to religious rules and practices, sometimes to the detriment of broader social or ethical considerations. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying insincerity or an unhealthy obsession with religious observance.
Pietistic meaning with examples
- The preacher's sermon, filled with theatrical pronouncements and emotional appeals, was criticized for its pietistic nature, focusing more on personal feelings than genuine theological understanding. He often chided his audience about being 'good Christians.' Many found his displays performative.
- Her constant pronouncements about the 'sinfulness' of others and her unwavering adherence to minor religious rules, while neglecting compassion, revealed a pietistic attitude that alienated her friends and family. Her 'holier than thou' routine didn't win her any admirers.
- The novel explored a community where the rigid, pietistic lifestyle of the religious leaders stifled individuality and created an atmosphere of fear and hypocrisy, leading to the suppression of those with different viewpoints. Conformity was the highest virtue.
- Despite his genuine religious convictions, his constant public displays of prayer and acts of charity often felt pietistic, making others feel uneasy and questioning the sincerity of his motivations. His outward devotion seemed over the top, almost artificial.
Pietistic Synonyms
affected devout (in a negative sense) hypocritical pious religious (in an exaggerated manner) sanctimonious self-righteous zealous (in an excessive way)Pietistic Antonyms
authentic genuine humble impious irreligious secular sincere unpretentiousPietistic Crossword Answers
5 Letters
GODLY
9 Letters
PHARISAIC
11 Letters
PIETISTICAL PHARISAICAL
13 Letters
SELFRIGHTEOUS SANCTIMONIOUS
14 Letters
HOLIERTHANTHOU