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Glite Dictionary
impiously

impiously

1 9.9
In a way that shows no respect for God or holy things
  • adverb
  • /ɪmˈpiːəsli/
  • Formal
translation icon : impíamente
  • She impiously questioned the existence of a higher power, which angered her elders.

Examples

  • (5.17) -- even his most pessimistic statements draw limits on regimes that force people to act impiously or immorally and would require condemnation of the kinds of tyranny that we today call totalitarian.

    Academic text (1998)

  • He spoke impiously about the traditions that had been cherished for centuries, shocking many in the room.

  • The documentary revealed how some individuals impiously dismissed the teachings of their faith.

Synonyms

profanely
vsimpiously
  • NSFW
1 8.6

Shows disrespect to religious things, often using swear words

is broader, showing disrespect without necessarily using offensive words
irreverently
vsimpiously
1 7.8

In a way that shows lack of respect for things people take seriously

applies specifically to disrespect of God or sacred things rather than general targets
blasphemously
vsimpiously
1 9.8

In a way that shows disrespect for things people consider holy

is the general term for lacking respect toward God or sacred things
sacrilegiously
vsimpiously
9.9

In a way that shows strong disrespect for something holy

mentions lack of respect specifically toward God as well as sacred things
unholily
vsimpiously
9.7

In a rude way about religious things

is similar but focuses on lack of respect specifically toward God and sacred things
scoffingly
vsimpiously
  • Offensive
8.6

In a rude way that shows you think someone is silly

refers to lack of respect for God or sacred things rather than mere mockery

Antonyms

reverently
7 5.5

In a way that shows deep respect

How Irreverent

impiously
  • Formal
1 9.9
irreverently
1 7.8

Surface Forms

impiously positive

Morphology

impiously = impious (transparent) = im + pious + ly

The adverb is formed regularly from the adjective 'impious', and the negative meaning from 'pious' is straightforward.

Etymology

The word impiously comes from im- meaning 'not' and pious meaning 'devout' or 'respectful of religion', so it means acting in a way that is 'not respectful' toward God or sacred things.