What does the term *devout* most nearly mean?

The term devout refers to a deep commitment to religious practices and beliefs, indicating a level of piety and sincerity in one's faith. It is often associated with being faithful, earnest, and dedicated in one's spiritual or religious life. This strong dedication to a particular faith or set of beliefs aligns closely with the meaning of pious, which describes someone who is very religious or shows a dutiful reverence toward divine matters. Thus, pious is the most fitting synonym for devout, as both terms emphasize an earnestness and devotion to spiritual principles and practices.

In contrast, the other options involve meanings that do not connect to religious devotion. Selfish implies a focus on one's own needs or interests, reserved suggests a tendency to hold back or be restrained in expressing emotions or thoughts, and skeptical indicates doubt or questioning, especially regarding beliefs or claims. None of these alternatives convey the sense of serious or sincere religious commitment associated with devout.