Pronunciation: [ɡˈɒdlinəs] (IPA) 
The word "godliness" is spelled with a 'd' between the 'o' and the 'l' despite the absence of a sound in that spot. This phenomenon is known as a 'silent letter'. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈɡɒdlɪnəs/, where the 'd' is represented by the symbol /d/ even though it isn't pronounced. The word 'godliness' is used to describe a state of being devout or pious, in line with one's religious beliefs.
Godliness is a term used to describe the state or quality of being devoutly religious or having great reverence for a higher spiritual power, typically associated with a particular religious belief or faith. It is often characterized by exhibiting pious behavior and adhering to the moral or ethical principles and teachings of one's faith tradition. Godliness entails living a righteous and virtuous life, guided by the principles set forth by one's understanding of a divine being or power.
The concept of godliness varies across different religious and cultural contexts, and it is often reflected in one's actions, attitudes, and beliefs. It encompasses a deep sense of devotion and devotion to spiritual pursuits, such as prayer, meditation, or acts of worship. Godliness may also involve striving to cultivate virtues like compassion, humility, forgiveness, and gratitude, as well as rejecting actions or behaviors perceived as sinful or contrary to religious teachings.
Furthermore, godliness is often viewed as a means of seeking a personal connection or closeness to a higher power. It involves a commitment to spiritual growth and an ongoing quest for understanding and living according to the divine will. Godliness is seen by many as a path towards spiritual enlightenment, personal fulfillment, and a deeper sense of purpose in life.
Ultimately, godliness encompasses a strong religious fidelity and a sincere desire to live in accordance with the teachings and principles of one's faith tradition while seeking to advance one's spiritual journey and relationship with the divine.
The word godliness originated from the Old English term godlicnes, which can be broken down into two parts:
1. God - This comes from the Old English word god, which means deity or divine being. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word gudan, which has cognates in various other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse goð and Old High German got.
2. -licnes - Suffix -licnes is derived from the Old English -lic, which means pertaining to or resembling. It relates to the Proto-Germanic -liko- and Old High German -lih.
Therefore, the combination of god and -licnes gives us godliness, roughly meaning the quality or state of being god-like or having characteristics of a deity.
