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Definition of godliness

godliness

/ˈɡɑːdlinəs/
god · li · ness
Adjective:godly
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godliness Lexical Profile

godliness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

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

Example

"The old proverb suggests that cleanliness is next to godliness."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for godliness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for godliness

• Rhymes for godliness

• Nearby Words

godless
godlessness
godlike
godliness
godly
godmother
godparent

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as godlinesse from the adjective godly (from Old English godlic, meaning divine or devoted to God) combined with the state-forming suffix -ness. The word was popularized in English proverbs, notably the 18th-century maxim popularized by John Wesley that "cleanliness is next to godliness."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Godliness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/godliness
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