holiness: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Religious
Quick answer
What does “holiness” mean?
The state or quality of being holy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state or quality of being holy; sacredness.
Used as a title or form of address for religious leaders like the Pope (e.g., 'Your Holiness'); the quality of being morally and spiritually excellent or perfect, akin to divinity; a state of being set apart for religious worship or service.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Capitalisation rules for the title are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties: strong religious reverence, sacredness, moral purity.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in religious contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “holiness” in a Sentence
the holiness of + NOUN (the holiness of the site)holiness + PREP (holiness in action)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holiness” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb form. 'To make holy' is 'sanctify' or 'consecrate'.)
American English
- (No standard verb form.)
adverb
British English
- He lived holily, dedicating himself to prayer.
- (Note: 'holily' is grammatically correct but extremely rare and stylised.)
American English
- (The adverb 'holily' is almost never used in modern American English.)
adjective
British English
- The holy man spoke of inner peace.
- They visited the holy site.
American English
- She had a holy reverence for life.
- The holy day was observed quietly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, and philosophical contexts discussing concepts of sacredness.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing religion. More likely in phrases like 'the holiness of the place.'
Technical
Specific term in theology and liturgy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holiness”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holiness”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holiness”
- Incorrect: 'The holines of the church.' Correct: 'The holiness of the church.' (spelling).
- Incorrect capitalisation in non-title contexts: 'We felt the Holiness of the moment.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms, but 'saintliness' often implies the holiness of a specific person (a saint), while 'holiness' can be a more general, abstract quality of objects, places, or deities.
In British English: /ˈhəʊ.li.nəs/ (HOH-lee-ness). In American English: /ˈhoʊ.li.nəs/ (HOH-lee-ness). The main difference is the first vowel sound.
It is possible but stylised and metaphorical. For example, 'the holiness of their friendship' suggests it was sacred, pure, and revered. In everyday speech, words like 'sacredness' or 'purity' might be more natural.
Because it functions as an official title, similar to 'His Majesty' or 'President'. Capitalisation rules apply to formal titles when they directly precede a name or are used as a form of address.
The state or quality of being holy.
Holiness is usually formal / religious in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Holiness of heart and life (theological phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOLINESS = HOLY + NESS. Think of a 'holy' person surrounded by a bright 'ness' (like a halo of goodness).
Conceptual Metaphor
HOLINESS IS CLEANLINESS / PURITY (e.g., 'cleanliness is next to godliness'). HOLINESS IS BEING SET APART / ELEVATED (e.g., 'on a higher moral plane').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'holiness' used as a proper noun?