Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or state of being godly; devoutness and moral uprightness as inspired by religious devotion. It refers to the condition of living a pious, virtuous life in accordance with divine principles or the will of God.

Usage

• General Use: Used to describe a person's devout character or the quality of their religious life. It emphasizes both inner piety and outward moral conduct.
  • Her daily prayers and acts of charity were a testament to her profound godliness.
  • The monk was respected for his humility and godliness.

Advanced Usage

• "In all godliness": Used to describe actions done with complete piety and reverence.
  • They sought to live their lives in all godliness and honesty.
• "Godliness with contentment": A phrase (often from a biblical context) linking spiritual devotion to satisfaction with one's circumstances.
  • The sermon focused on the great gain of godliness with contentment.

Variants and Related Words

• Godly (adj): Pious, devout, or morally good.
  • He was known as a godly man in his community.
• Ungodliness (n): The state of being wicked or not reverent; impiety.
  • The prophet spoke out against the ungodliness of the city.

Synonyms

• Piety: Devotion to religious duties and practices.
• Devoutness: Deep religious feeling or commitment.
• Saintliness: Exceptional holiness or virtue.
• Righteousness: Acting in a morally right or justifiable way.

Antonyms

• Impiety: Lack of reverence or respect for God.
• Ungodliness: Wickedness or lack of religious devotion.
• Sinfulness: The state of being characterized by sin or moral wrong.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Cleanliness is next to godliness": A proverb suggesting that being clean is a sign of moral purity.
  • My grandmother always said that cleanliness is next to godliness.

Noun

1. piety by virtue of being a godly person