god-fearing
God-fearing (adjective) means Deeply religious in a way that shows in how you live, marked by reverence for God and by moral, respectable conduct. Example: “They were raised in a quiet, god-fearing household where Sunday was for church.”
How to use god-fearing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSeriously religious and morally upright.
Almost always approving, and often used to signal traditional respectability as much as belief. Capitalisation of God varies; God-fearing is the more traditional styling.
The word implies practice and reputation, not just belief — you would not call a private, unobservant believer god-fearing.
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Can you complete this real example?
They were raised in a quiet, _____ household where Sunday was for church.
Etymology
A compound of God and fearing, using fear in its older sense of awe and reverence rather than fright.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for god-fearing
See all rhymes for god-fearing →Frequently asked questions
Does god-fearing mean being afraid of God?
No. Fear here carries its older sense of awe and deep respect, the same sense as in 'the fear of the Lord'. A god-fearing person reveres God rather than being frightened of him.
What is the difference between god-fearing and religious?
Religious simply says a person holds and practises a faith. God-fearing adds a moral judgement, suggesting the person is honest, decent and traditional in conduct because of that faith, and it is nearly always meant as praise.
What is the meaning of god-fearing?
"god-fearing" (adjective) means deeply religious in a way that shows in how you live, marked by reverence for God and by moral, respectable conduct.
What is another word for god-fearing?
Other words for "god-fearing" include devout, pious, reverent, godly, observant.