What does saintliest mean?
Saintliest is the superlative form of the adjective saintly. It describes the person or thing regarded as holiest, most virtuous, most devout, or most exemplary in moral character. Although the word draws on the Christian idea of a saint, it is not restricted to formally recognized religious figures: someone may be described as the saintliest person in a family, workplace, or community because of exceptional kindness or moral conduct. The expression has a strongly elevated, traditional tone and appears more often in literature, informal speech, or humorous writing than in ordinary neutral description. It can sound sincerely admiring, but it may also carry an ironic implication that the person is being presented as almost impossibly good. In the simplest form, the word means “most saintly,” while its broader connotation emphasizes exceptional moral goodness.
adjectiveThe superlative of saintly: holiest, most virtuous, or most exemplarily good.
- Holiest or most virtuous; the superlative sense of saintly.
"Her charity and quiet selflessness made her the saintliest member of the community."
"He was known throughout the village as the saintliest man who ever lived."
"The guide described the cathedral as the saintliest building in the city, though the remark was plainly affectionate exaggeration."
Saints may be people, but this superlative can make an ordinary life sound almost unbearably virtuous.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of saintliest
Saint comes through Old French from Latin sanctus, meaning “holy” or “sacred.” The adjective saintly was formed from saint with the suffix -ly, and its superlative ending -est produced saintliest. Related forms include saintliness and sanctity, both of which continue the idea of holiness or moral purity associated with the same Latin word.
Related word forms
How saintliest is actually used
The word is relatively uncommon and often literary or humorous. It may be used sincerely in religious contexts or sarcastically to describe someone who is exceptionally well behaved.