godliness

American  

[god-lee-nuhs] / ˈgɒd li nəs /

noun

1. the quality or practice of conforming to the laws and wishes of God; devoutness and moral uprightness.

   To be wise is to live in godliness, reflecting the nature of the kingdom of God in the course of everyday life.

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Etymology

Origin of godliness

godly ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

May godliness be their guidance, may sanctity be their strength, may peace on earth be the fruit of their labours, and their joy in heaven thine eternal gift; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2022

Downstairs, I could hear Mother, for whom cleanliness beat godliness every time, vacuuming the living room.

From Salon • Jun. 12, 2021

Fortunately for Arden, the support act, Sam Cooke, drove the audience wild; Richard’s competitive spirit overcame his godliness, and compelled him to play his hits so as not to be outshone.

From The Guardian • May 9, 2020

Their directionless efforts to achieve the metaphysical state of godliness, eons premature to evolutionary destiny have, indeed, become an invitation to species extinction.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2019

“That’s right. That’s exactly right. I wish I’d said that to Mr. Miller. ‘I have faith in the godliness of humanity.’

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx