creatureliness
|crea-ture-ly-ness|
🇺🇸
/ˈkriːtʃɚlɪnɪs/
🇬🇧
/ˈkriːtʃə(r)lɪnɪs/
the quality of being a created, mortal, dependent being
Etymology
'creatureliness' is an English formation from 'creature' + the adjective-forming suffix '-ly' and the noun-forming suffix '-ness'. 'Creature' ultimately comes from Latin 'creatura' meaning 'a thing created'.
'creature' comes from Old French 'creature' (from Latin 'creatura'), which entered Middle English as 'creature'. From Middle English the adjective 'creaturely' and then the abstract noun 'creatureliness' were formed by adding '-ly' and '-ness'.
Originally referring simply to 'that which is created,' the sense shifted to denote the condition or qualities of created (i.e., mortal, dependent) beings; 'creatureliness' now emphasizes those qualities.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being a creature — i.e., being created, mortal, limited, and dependent.
The sermon reflected on human creatureliness and the responsibilities it entails.
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Noun 2
the characteristic attributes or condition typical of created beings (often used to emphasize vulnerability, limitation, or earthly needs).
Poets sometimes invoke creatureliness to contrast human weakness with transcendent ideals.
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Last updated: 2025/09/13 10:47