pietism

noun

pi·e·tism | \ ˈpī-ə-ˌti-zəm

Definition of pietism

1 capitalized : a 17th century religious movement originating in Germany in reaction to formalism and intellectualism and stressing Bible study and personal religious experience

2a : emphasis on devotional experience and practices

b : affectation of devotion

Other Words from pietism Example Sentences Learn More About pietism

Examples of pietism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Republicans who had sympathized with the Trump administration’s early efforts to play down Covid-19 went back to pooh-poohing it, Democrats returned to their peculiar form of technocratic pietism. — Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, 13 Feb. 2022 The Black Lives Matter hysteria induced an outpouring of self-lacerating racial-justice pietism from a media and corporate elite only too eager to moralize about the innate sinfulness of Americans. — Gerard Baker, WSJ, 21 Dec. 2020 Even Gandhi’s own pietism, for all his protestations of love and friendship, could set Muslim nerves on edge. — Ferdinand Mount, WSJ, 1 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pietism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.