Literary notes about devout (AI summary)
Literary writers employ "devout" to denote a profound sense of sincere piety and earnest commitment that extends beyond mere ritual. Its usage often conveys both a deep religious zeal and an inner moral steadfastness—a quality seen in characters who offer their actions and prayers with a most ready and devout mind [1] or in communities gathered in passionate, faith-driven assembly [2]. At times, the word also colors descriptions of personal demeanor, imbuing figures with a solemn, respectful poise as when portraits depict a figure in a devout posture before a crucifix [3] or when individuals, despite secular engagements, exhibit an unwavering devout heart [4]. This layered application reflects the term’s ability to encapsulate both ritualistic observance and the sincere, internalized conviction of its bearers [5].
- Offered firstfruits to the Lord with a most ready and devout mind, to make the work of the tabernacle of the testimony.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - Devout Hindus gather by the millions every six years to meet thousands of sadhus, yogis, swamis, and ascetics of all kinds.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - In her portrait, engraved by Faber, after Kneller, she is represented in mourning, and in a devout posture before a crucifix.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys - The family had always been devout, and the younger Pascal, though absorbed in his scientific work, never seems to have been afflicted with infidelity.
— from Pascal's Pensées by Blaise Pascal - unhappy by my crimes!” replied Manfred, “my heart at last is open to thy devout admonitions.
— from The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole