godliness: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, religious
Quick answer
What does “godliness” mean?
The quality of being devoutly religious or pious.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality of being devoutly religious or pious; living in a way that shows deep reverence for God.
A state of moral and spiritual excellence, often implying a life of virtue, purity, and dedication to religious principles. It can also imply a sense of sanctity or holiness in everyday conduct.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly higher frequency in American religious discourse due to cultural factors.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of traditional, sometimes austere, virtue. In secular contexts, may be used with mild irony.
Frequency
Low frequency in general secular discourse; higher in religious, literary, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “godliness” in a Sentence
[Noun] + of + godlinessgodliness + with + [Noun]verb + for/towards + godlinessVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “godliness” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She strove to godliness her entire life.
American English
- He sought to godliness his conduct through daily prayer.
adverb
British English
- He acted godliness, always putting his faith first.
American English
- She lived godliness, following the scriptures closely.
adjective
British English
- The vicar led a most godliness life in the village.
American English
- Their godliness devotion was evident to all.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, or literary studies discussing religion, ethics, or Puritan culture.
Everyday
Rare, except in the fixed idiom 'cleanliness is next to godliness'.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “godliness”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “godliness”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “godliness”
- Using 'godliness' to mean 'belief in God' (it's about *practice*).
- Confusing with 'holiness' (which can be a state conferred, while godliness is cultivated).
- Using in informal contexts where 'faith' or 'religion' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Predominantly yes, due to its etymology. It can be applied metaphorically to extreme devotion in other monotheistic faiths, but this is rare. It is not used for polytheistic or non-theistic piety.
Godliness centres on devotion and reverence towards God. Righteousness focuses on moral correctness and justice according to a standard. One can be righteous (morally upright) without being godly (explicitly devoted to God), though they often overlap.
Yes, in secular or critical discourse. It can imply self-righteousness, hypocrisy, or an overly austere and judgmental attitude, e.g., 'His stern godliness made him unpopular.'
Yes, it remains a very well-known proverb in both British and American English, often used to encourage tidiness, sometimes humorously.
The quality of being devoutly religious or pious.
Godliness is usually formal, literary, religious in register.
Godliness: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒd.lin.əs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːd.lin.əs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GOD' + 'LIKE' + 'NESS' = the state of being like God in moral virtue.
Conceptual Metaphor
GODLINESS IS PURITY / GODLINESS IS A PATH (e.g., 'the path of godliness').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'godliness' LEAST likely to be used?