Definition

Noun: - The quality of resembling a saint; the state or characteristic of being saintly. This refers to possessing or exhibiting the virtues typically associated with a saint, such as exceptional holiness, piety, moral purity, and selflessness.

Usage

The word "saintliness" is an abstract noun used to describe a person's character or behavior. It is often used in religious, spiritual, or moral contexts to denote an ideal state of virtue. - It is typically used as a non-count noun (e.g., her saintliness). - It can be the subject or object of a sentence, or follow a preposition.

Examples

• The community was inspired by the saintliness of the humble nun.
• His life was a model of patience and saintliness.
• They admired her not for her power, but for her saintliness.

Advanced Usage

• "An aura of saintliness": A perceived atmosphere or quality of saintliness surrounding a person.
  • The old monk had an aura of saintliness that put visitors at ease.
• Used in comparative or superlative constructions (though less common due to its abstract nature).
  • Among the figures in the church's history, she was noted for her exceptional saintliness.

Variants and Related Words

• Saintly (adjective): Having the qualities of a saint.
  • He was known for his saintly patience.
• Saint (noun): A person acknowledged as holy or virtuous.
• Sanctity (noun): The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly. (Note: "sanctity" can also refer to the holiness of objects or principles, while "saintliness" is primarily for people.)

Synonyms

• Holiness
• Piety
• Godliness
• Devoutness
• Virtuousness

Antonyms

• Wickedness
• Sinfulness
• Impiety

Idioms and Phrases

• "To achieve/a state of saintliness": To reach or be in a condition of being saintly.
  • He spent his life in prayer, striving for a state of saintliness.
• While not a phrasal verb, the concept is central to the idiom "a saint on earth," which describes a person of remarkable saintliness.
  • After all her charity work, many considered her a saint on earth.

Noun

1. the quality of resembling a saint