noun
- Plural of pietism; instances or expressions of exaggerated or affected piety; religious devotion that is overly emotional or insincere.
Usage: Usually used in a critical or disapproving sense.; Often refers to religious movements or attitudes emphasizing personal spiritual experience.
Examples
- The critic dismissed the politician's public displays as mere pietisms designed to win votes.
- Pietisms of the 18th century emphasized emotional religious experience over doctrinal study.
- She grew tired of her uncle's constant pietisms and self-righteous lectures.
- The movement rejected the pietisms of the established church in favor of direct personal faith.
- His pietisms rang hollow to those who knew his true character.