Saintliness: meaning, definitions and examples

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saintliness

[ˈseɪntlinɪs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in religion

The quality of being saintly; holiness or goodness of life.

Synonyms

goodness, holiness, piety, virtue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
saintliness	Saintliness is used to describe a very high degree of virtue and moral purity, often associated with religious figures or people who exhibit extraordinary benevolence and selflessness. Her saintliness was evident in her tireless work with the poor and sick.
holiness	Holiness is often used in religious contexts to denote the state of being holy, sacred, or dedicated to God. It can describe people, places, or objects that are considered holy. The holiness of the church was palpable during the prayer service. He lived his life in holiness and devotion.
piety	Piety describes a respectful and devout adherence to religious practices and beliefs. It often suggests a deep, personal, and sincere commitment to one's faith. Her piety was clear in her daily prayers and attendance at religious services. He was admired for his piety and devotion to his faith.
virtue	Virtue refers to general moral excellence and righteousness. It can be used to describe specific moral qualities or characteristics. Kindness is a virtue that should be practiced daily. She was praised for her virtue and integrity.
goodness	Goodness refers to the quality of being morally good or kind, and can be used in both everyday and formal contexts. His goodness was evident in his actions and kind words. She was known for her goodness and generosity.

Examples of usage

He was known for his saintliness and devotion to helping the poor.
Her saintliness inspired many to follow her example.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

The state or quality of being morally pure and upright.

Synonyms

integrity, moral purity, rectitude, uprightness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
saintliness	Use when describing someone with exceptional holiness and virtue, often in a religious context. Her saintliness was evident in her selfless acts of charity. The monk's saintliness inspired many to lead better lives.
moral purity	Typically used to describe someone whose thoughts and actions are free from immorality or corruption. The leader’s moral purity made him a revered figure in the community. They admired her moral purity and commitment to ethical behavior.
uprightness	Used when you want to convey that someone is morally strong and consistently behaves ethically. Their uprightness was evident in their refusal to lie or cheat. He was respected for his uprightness and unwavering commitment to doing what is right.
integrity	Best suited for situations where you want to describe someone who is honest and adheres to strong moral and ethical principles. His integrity was never in question, even when faced with difficult decisions. She handled the situation with integrity, refusing to compromise her values.
rectitude	Often used in formal situations to describe someone’s ability to maintain moral correctness and righteousness. His rectitude in business dealings earned him the respect of his peers. The judge was known for his rectitude and fairness.

Examples of usage

His saintliness in dealing with difficult situations earned him respect from all around him.
The saintliness of her character shone through in everything she did.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'saint' comes from the Latin 'sanctus,' meaning 'holy' or 'sacred.'
The suffix '-ness' indicates a state or quality, so 'saintliness' refers to the state of being saintly.
Historically, many cultures have revered saints as symbols of moral integrity and virtue.

Religious Significance

In Christianity, saintliness often correlates with a life dedicated to the service of God and helping others.
Catholic saints are canonized based on their virtuous lives and miracles, which reflect their saintliness.
Many religions, including Buddhism and Islam, have figures that embody saintliness through their teachings or deeds.

Cultural Representation

Saintliness is often depicted in art, showing figures with halos or radiant light to symbolize their goodness.
Literature often portrays saintly characters as moral compasses for others, guiding them toward goodness.
In folklore, saintly figures are sometimes depicted in tales where they perform miracles or act heroically.

Psychological Aspects

Research suggests that acts of kindness and compassion can enhance individual feelings of happiness and fulfillment.
The concept of saintliness can motivate people to engage in altruistic behaviors, influencing community well-being.
Psychological studies show that individuals who identify with saintly qualities often experience lower levels of stress and anxiety.

Philosophical Context

Philosophers explore saintliness in relation to moral ethics, questioning what constitutes a virtuous life.
The idea of saintliness often intersects with discussions about the nature of good and evil across different philosophies.
Many philosophical traditions advocate for the pursuit of saintliness as an ideal for personal development and societal improvement.

Translations

Translations of the word "saintliness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 santidade

🇮🇳 पवित्रता

🇩🇪 Heiligkeit

🇮🇩 kesucian

🇺🇦 святість

🇵🇱 świętość

🇯🇵 聖性

🇫🇷 sainteté

🇪🇸 santidad

🇹🇷 kutsallık

🇰🇷 성스러움

🇸🇦 قداسة

🇨🇿 svatost

🇸🇰 svätosť

🇨🇳 圣洁

🇸🇮 svetost

🇮🇸 heilagleiki

🇰🇿 святылық

🇬🇪 წმიდობა

🇦🇿 müqəddəslik

🇲🇽 santidad

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,827 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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33824 fleshing
33825 halfback
33826 whoring
33827 saintliness
33828 gaucho
33829 apposed
33830 fizz
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