1. A movement in Protestant Christianity emphasizing personal religious experience, emotional devotion, and moral living over formal doctrine and ritual.
Usage: Often capitalized when referring to the historical movement (17th–18th century); Can refer to the movement itself or its principles and practices
2. Excessive or affected display of piety; ostentatious religiousness.
Usage: Often used critically or disapprovingly

Examples

• Pietism emerged in Germany during the 17th century as a reaction against rigid Lutheran orthodoxy.
• The movement emphasized personal conversion and a living faith rather than mere intellectual assent to doctrine.
• Her pietism was evident in her daily prayers and charitable works.
• Critics accused him of pietism, suggesting his religious displays were more for show than genuine belief.
• Pietism influenced many Protestant denominations and contributed to the development of modern evangelicalism.
• The pastor warned against empty pietism that lacked true compassion for others.