Word
godly
Phoneticsgod·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɑdɫi/
UK/ɡˈɒdli/
Definition
adj. living in a way that follows religious rules and shows deep respect for God. It describes someone who is very moral and good.
adj. devoutly religious or pious in character and conduct. Often describes individuals or lifestyles that strictly adhere to divine laws and moral principles.
Examples
“She lived a godly life dedicated to helping the poor.”
“The community looked up to him as a godly man who always acted with integrity.”
“The biography explores how her godly upbringing influenced her later commitment to social justice and non-violent protest.”
Examples
simple
“She lived a godly life dedicated to helping the poor.”
contextual
“The community looked up to him as a godly man who always acted with integrity.”
complex
“The biography explores how her godly upbringing influenced her later commitment to social justice and non-violent protest.”
Usage
Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun; less common in modern secular contexts.
Etymology
From god + -ly (adjectival suffix).
From god + -ly (adverbial suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/godly