holiness

American  

[hoh-lee-nis] / ˈhoʊ li nɪs /

noun

1. the quality or state of being holy; sanctity.

   Synonyms:

   saintliness, godliness, blessedness

2. (initial capital letter) a title of the pope, formerly used also of other high ecclesiastics (usually preceded by His orYour ).

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Holiness ¹ British  

/ ˈhəʊlɪnɪs /

noun

1. a title once given to all bishops, but now reserved for the pope

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holiness ² British  

/ ˈhəʊlɪnɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being holy

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Usage

What does holiness mean? Holiness is a state of religious purity or devotion, as in Our faith says that holiness comes from serving other people and praying often.Holiness is also used as a title for some religions’ leaders. If you ever meet the Catholic Church’s Pope or Tibetan Buddhism’s Dalia Lama, you can refer to them as your Holiness.Example: The holiness of this relic is a hotly debated subject in religious circles.

Other Word Forms

• self-holiness noun

Etymology

Origin of holiness

before 900; Middle English holynesse, Old English hālignes. See holy, -ness

Example Sentences

Nobody calls holiness home—although, ironically, doing so is an all-too-human habit.

From Slate • May 15, 2024

It’s an elegiac relationship, compounded by the recent passing of my grandmother, who embodied holiness and unadulterated love in every sense.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2024

Saturday’s rally took place during Shabbat, the weekly Jewish day of holiness and rest.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 14, 2023

As part of Sukkot, the four species are held while saying a daily blessing — except on Shabbat — that is an expression of the holiness of the holiday.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 28, 2023

People who make good choices in life, they unleash that holiness on the world.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx

Related Words

• humility
• purity
• righteousness
• sanctity