adjective

god-fearing

GOD-feer-ing

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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.”

adjective

Deeply religious in a way that shows in how you live, marked by reverence for God and by moral, respectable conduct.

"They were raised in a quiet, god-fearing household where Sunday was for church."

"He describes himself as a God-fearing man who has never missed a service."

How to use god-fearing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSeriously religious and morally upright.

When to use it

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.

Memory tip

The word implies practice and reputation, not just belief — you would not call a private, unobservant believer god-fearing.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

god-fearing vs. religious god-fearing vs. godly

Common pairings

god-fearing man god-fearing family decent, god-fearing people

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “god-fearing” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

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.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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devout pious reverent godly observant

Antonyms

godless irreligious impious

Related words

holy religious dear spiritual silly alert divine secular

Rhymes for god-fearing

daring caring baring raring Waring hearing bearing wearing sharing staring roaring searing

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.

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holy religious dear spiritual silly alert divine secular