godliness

noun

god·​li·​ness

-dlēnə̇s, 

-lin-

plural -es

: the quality, state, or condition of being godly: such as

a

: piety

especially : earnest observance of religious duties and virtues

… men obsessed with an idea of godliness and personal purity …

—John W. Aldridge, Chronicles, October 1986

Cleanliness is next to godliness.

b

: the state or condition of being divine : godhood sense 2

By employing Biblical names for classes of persons in their society, the rulers of the Gileadean theocracy proclaim their godliness.

—Charlotte Templin, Names, September 1993

Word History

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined above

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Rhymes for godliness

• ungodliness