early 14c. (late 12c. as a surname), "mercy, tenderness, pity," from Old French piete "piety, faith; pity, compassion" (12c.), from Latin pietatem (nominative pietas) "dutiful conduct, sense of duty; religiousness, piety; loyalty, patriotism; faithfulness to natural ties," in Late Latin "gentleness, kindness, pity;" from pius "kind" (see pious). Meaning "piousness" attested in English from c. 1600. Also see pity (n.).
双语例句
1. In a traditional Chinese family filial piety is rigidly observed.
在传统的中国家庭里,人们恪守孝道.
来自《简明英汉词典》
2. They were drawn to the church not by piety but by curiosity.
他们去教堂不是出于虔诚而是出于好奇.
来自《简明英汉词典》
3. Later I talked with Big Brother in his room about filial piety.
饭后天还没有黑尽,我到大哥房里和他谈到孝的问题.
来自汉英文学 - 家（1-26） - 家（1-26）
4. Experience makes us see an enormous difference between piety and goodness.
