What does holiness mean?
Holiness is a formal religious noun meaning the state or quality of being holy, sacred, morally pure, or dedicated to spiritual life. It can describe a person, a place, a belief, or an ideal, as in references to the holiness of God, the holiness of human life, or a life lived in pursuit of spiritual perfection. The word carries a strongly elevated and reverential tone and is especially common in Christian writing, worship, and formal speech. In the expression “His Holiness,” it serves as a title for the pope. Outside religious or ceremonial contexts, related terms such as sanctity may sound more natural, while holiness tends to emphasize moral purity and sacred character. The word is valuable because it combines an abstract idea with a recognized formal use, making it central to discussions of religion, ethics, and dignity.
The state or quality of being holy, sacred, morally pure, or devoted to spiritual life.
"The scholar examined the holiness of the ancient shrine."
Usually uncountable and solemn in tone, especially in religious or formal contexts.
A formal title for the pope, used especially in the expression “His Holiness.”
"His Holiness addressed the crowd from the balcony."
This is a formal, capitalized use and is not normally modified in the same way as the abstract noun.
Usually uncountable; plural forms are uncommon and generally reserved for distinct kinds or instances of holiness.
"The study compared the different holilities of several spiritual traditions."
Holiness is both a quality and a formal title: it can describe sacred perfection and be used to address the pope.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does holiness come from?
“Holiness” developed in Middle English from “holy” with the suffix “-ness,” which forms an abstract noun denoting a quality or state. “Holy” comes from Old English hālig, originally meaning “wholly” or “entire,” and developed the sense of being sacred or devoted to God. The same Old English root underlies “hallow” and “hallowed,” while “holiday” originally referred to a holy day.
Related word forms
How holiness is actually used
In ordinary religious contexts, “holiness” is usually an uncountable noun with a solemn and elevated tone. The papal title is formal and conventionally capitalized when used as a title.
Easily confused with holiness
“Holiness” means sacredness or moral purity, whereas “holly” is an evergreen shrub often associated with Christmas.