What does godly mean?
Godly is an adjective with two related uses. Its traditional and more literal sense describes someone who is pious, devout, morally upright, or strongly devoted to religion. This use can appear in religious writing, historical prose, and expressions emphasizing moral or spiritual virtue. The word also has an informal, sometimes old-fashioned meaning of “very good” or “excellent,” as in the familiar expression “a godly day.” In that second sense, it is often playful rather than religious. The combination of elevated moral associations and cheerful exaggeration gives the word a distinctive character: it can sound sincerely reverent in a serious context but humorous and nostalgic in ordinary conversation. Godly is ultimately a compound of “god” and the suffix “-ly.” It belongs to a family including the noun “godliness” and the adverb “godlily,” although most modern speakers encounter the adjective far more often than either of those forms.
adjectivePious, devout, or morally upright. In informal or old-fashioned use, it can mean very good or excellent.
- Pious, devout, or strongly committed to a religious life or moral principles.
- Very good or excellent, especially in informal, old-fashioned, or humorous expressions.
"Her quiet faith and compassion made her a truly godly person."
"The minister spoke with the authority of someone who had led a godly life."
"What a godly day for a walk in the hills."
From a word meaning “pious” to “godly day,” this adjective can transform an ordinary morning into something wonderful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does godly come from?
Godly was formed in Middle English from the word “god” and the suffix “-ly.” Its earliest religious meaning developed from the adjective-forming use of that suffix, while English “god” itself continues Old English gōd. Related Germanic forms include German Gott and Dutch God, all reflecting a common Proto-Germanic ancestor.
Related word forms
How godly is actually used
The religious sense is relatively formal and may suggest the practice of a faith as well as personal devotion. The sense meaning “very good” is informal and often mildly old-fashioned or humorous; “godly” is also frequent in older religious and literary language.
Easily confused with godly
Godly usually describes a person as pious or morally upright, whereas godlike describes something as resembling a god or having godlike qualities.
Godly is related to god and commonly conveys religious devotion, while goodly means attractive, considerable, or pleasing.