Godliness: meaning, definitions and examples

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godliness

[ˈɡɒdlɪnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

spiritual life

The quality of being devout or religious; piety.

Synonyms

holiness, piousness, sanctity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
godliness	Often used to express a quality in people who live their lives in a way that reflects respect and love for God or a higher power. It can be used in religious or spiritual contexts. Her godliness was evident in her daily acts of kindness and charity. He was admired for his godliness and dedication to his faith.
holiness	Refers to the state of being holy, often used in a religious context to describe sacred entities or individuals who are highly regarded for their religious purity. It implies a higher level of sanctity. The holiness of the shrine attracted pilgrims from all over the world. The bishop was known for his holiness and integrity.
piousness	Describes the quality of being devoutly religious. This term is often used to describe individuals who are very devoted to their religious practices and beliefs. Her piousness was reflected in her daily prayers and religious observances. He was recognized for his piousness and dedication to the church.
sanctity	Refers to the state of being holy, sacred, or saintly. It is often used to describe things or places that are considered sacred or of great moral significance. The sanctity of the monastery was respected by all visitors. They spoke about the sanctity of life and the importance of preserving it.

Examples of usage

Her godliness was evident in the way she treated others with kindness and compassion.
The community admired his godliness and dedication to serving others.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

behavior

The quality of being morally and spiritually upright.

Synonyms

righteousness, uprightness, virtue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
godliness	This word is often used in religious or spiritual contexts to describe a strong devotion to God or holy living. His godliness was evident in his daily prayers and charitable acts
righteousness	Righteousness refers to living morally right or justifiable, often in a religious or ethical sense. He was known for his righteousness and was often consulted for advice on moral issues
virtue	Virtue is a more general term that covers a wide range of positive qualities like honesty, integrity, and kindness, not necessarily linked to religion. Patience is considered a virtue in difficult times
uprightness	Uprightness is used to describe a person who is honest, fair, and adheres strictly to moral principles. Her uprightness in business dealings earned her the respect of her colleagues

Examples of usage

His godliness was reflected in his honest and fair dealings with everyone.
She was known for her godliness and integrity in all aspects of her life.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'godliness' comes from the Old English 'gȳð', meaning 'god', combined with the suffix '-liness', which implies a state or quality.
In many languages, the root for 'god' often relates to concepts of power or divinity, showing how different cultures view goodness linked to the divine.

Religion

In many religious texts, the concept of godliness is often associated with living a life of virtue, compassion, and moral integrity.
The idea of godliness can be seen in various teachings across faiths, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and selflessness as divine qualities.

Philosophy

Philosophers often discuss godliness in terms of ethics, exploring what it means to lead a moral life and the implications of divine characteristics in human behavior.
Some philosophical views argue that godliness represents the highest form of human virtue, embodying ideals such as justice and kindness.

Literature

Classic literature often explores themes of godliness through characters that embody moral dilemmas, portraying the struggle between good and evil.
In poetry and prose, references to godliness frequently symbolize purity, righteousness, and the pursuit of truth, elevating character traits as heroic.

Psychology

Studies suggest that individuals who embrace qualities of godliness, such as compassion and altruism, tend to report higher levels of happiness and well-being.
The concept of godliness is interwoven with psychological theories of morality, framing how traits of goodness can positively influence relationships and communities.

Translations

Translations of the word "godliness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 piedade

🇮🇳 धार्मिकता

🇩🇪 Frömmigkeit

🇮🇩 kesalehan

🇺🇦 благочестя

🇵🇱 pobożność

🇯🇵 敬虔

🇫🇷 piété

🇪🇸 piedad

🇹🇷 dindarlık

🇰🇷 경건

🇸🇦 تقوى

🇨🇿 zbožnost

🇸🇰 zbožnosť

🇨🇳 虔诚

🇸🇮 pobožnost

🇮🇸 guðrækni

🇰🇿 құдайшылдық

🇬🇪 ღვთისმოსაობა

🇦🇿 dindarlıq

🇲🇽 piedad

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,901, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20898 sock
20899 deflated
20900 stuttering
20901 godliness
20902 absolved
20903 astonishingly
20904 warily
...