The word 虔诚 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a layer of meaning to create a unified concept of deep, reverent sincerity. The first character, 虔, originally implied reverence, respect, and devotion, often in a solemn or religious context. The second character, 诚, means sincerity, truthfulness, and genuine feeling. When fused together, 虔诚 does not simply add these ideas but synthesizes them: the devotion (虔) is defined and elevated by its authentic, heartfelt quality (诚), resulting in the profound meaning of "piety" or "devoutness", where outward reverence is inseparable from inner, genuine faith.