saintliness
|saint-li-ness|
/ˈseɪntlɪnəs/
quality of being holy or morally pure
Etymology
'saintliness' is formed in modern English by adding the noun-forming suffix '-ness' to 'saintly', which itself is 'saint' + adjective suffix '-ly'. 'saint' comes from Latin 'sanctus' meaning 'holy'.
'sanctus' (Latin) passed into Old French as 'saint' and into Middle English as 'seint/saint'; from this came the adjective 'saintly' in Middle English and later the noun 'saintliness' by adding '-ness'.
Originally the root 'sanctus' meant 'consecrated' or 'made holy'; over time the derived English words have come to denote not only formal consecration but more broadly the quality of holiness, devoutness, or exemplary moral goodness expressed by a person.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being saintly; holiness, holiness-like moral purity or devoutness.
Many admired her saintliness and devotion to helping others.
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Noun 2
extreme patience, self-sacrifice, or moral goodness shown by a person (often used in a secular or figurative sense).
His saintliness in caring for the elderly earned him widespread respect.
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Last updated: 2025/10/20 19:34