Holiness
/ˈhoʊlinəs/
Definitions
The quality or state of being holy; sanctity; sacredness.
/ˈhoʊlinəs/
The state of being holy; sacredness.
The chapel was filled with an aura of holiness.
💡 Simply: It's like when something or someone is super, super good and special, like a really amazing place of worship or someone who always tries to do the right thing. Imagine a place of worship where you feel a very special, good feeling, and it feels holy.
👶 For kids: Being holy means being really, really good, like a superhero who always helps people!
More Examples
She dedicated her life to the pursuit of holiness.
The scripture speaks of the holiness of the temple.
How It's Used
"The church emphasized the holiness of God."
"Holiness is considered a key attribute of divine beings."
Idioms & expressions
holier than thou
Characterized by an unwarranted feeling of moral superiority.
"He acts holier than thou, always judging others."
From Middle English *holinesse*, from Old English *hālighet* ('sanctity, piety'), from *hālig* ('holy') + *-nes* (abstract noun suffix).
Historically used in religious and philosophical contexts, often in the context of describing divine or sacred beings and places. The term became especially significant with the rise of monotheistic religions.
Memory tip
Think of a 'hole' in the 'ness' of everyday life; something holy fills that void.