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

Alcuin told the first holy Roman emperor to ignore such declarations of public godliness “since the riotousness of the crowd is always very close to madness.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2024

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

Strong as it was, she must be a believer in cleanliness being next to godliness and she wasn’t taking any chances.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool