Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The character or quality of being godly; conformity to the will and law of God; piety.
  • noun Synonyms Saintliness, Holiness, etc. See religion.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun Careful observance of, or conformity to, the laws of God; the state or quality of being godly; piety.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun The condition and quality of being godly, pious, scrupulously observant of all the teaching's of one's religion, practicing virtue and avoiding sin.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun piety by virtue of being a godly person

Etymologies

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Examples

  • He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions {5} and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

    Kenneth Copeland challenges probe into televangelist finances 2008

  • He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions {5} and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

    Benny Hinn: Todd Koontz and the two-minutes blessing scam 2008

  • He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions {5} and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

    Foreclosures: Did God Want You to Get That Mortgage? 2008

  • He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions {5} and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

    Prosperity gospel works… for relatives of televangelist Kenneth Copeland 2008

  • The Bible talks about people who think that godliness is a means to financial gain, and places them among those who teach false doctrines, do not follow the instructions of Jesus Christ, are conceited and understand nothing:

    Benny Hinn: Todd Koontz and the two-minutes blessing scam 2008

  • He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions {5} and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

    Televangelist Kenneth Copeland refuses to render unto taxman 2008

  • He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions {5} and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

    Benny Hinn runs lucrative operation 2008

  • Christian, in hot climates where cleanliness should rank before godliness, is distinguished by his dirt which as a holy or reverend man he makes still dirtier, and he offers an ugly comparison with the Moslem and especially the Hindu.

    The Book of The Thousand Nights And A Night 2006

  • I must further premise that the Jews never make any mention or account of secondary, or particular causes, but in a spirit of religion, piety, and what is commonly called godliness, refer all things directly to the Deity.

    Theologico-Political Treatise 2007

  • May I suggest that there are many people (albeit hard to count) in this area whose godliness is exemplary, not so much in their Sunday-morning attendance but in their everyday social presence, philanthropic attitude, and treatment of their surroundings?

    Letters to the Editor 2004

Comments

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  • "By far the easiest and most productive method of stealing is on the job. Wages paid to delivery boys, sales clerks, shippers, cashiers and the like are so insulting that stealing really is a way of maintaining self-respect. If you are set on stealing the store dry when you apply for the job, begin with your best foot forward. Make what employment agencies call a 'good appearance'. Exude cleanliness, Godliness, sobriety and all the other WASPy virtues third grade teachers insist upon. Building up a good front will eliminate suspicion when things are 'missing'."

    - Abbie Hoffman, 'Steal This Book', 1971.

    February 18, 2009

  • Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:6-7.

    June 17, 2011