saintly
UK: ˈseɪntli | US: ˈseɪntli
adj. resembling or characteristic of a saint; virtuous, holy, or pious
saintly = saint<holy person> + ly<adjective suffix>
- saint: From Old French saint, Latin sanctus (holy, consecrated), derived from sancire (to consecrate).
- ly: A suffix forming adjectives from nouns, indicating "having the qualities of" (e.g., friendly, scholarly).
Etymology Origin:
The word saintly combines saint, rooted in Latin sanctus (holy), with the adjectival suffix -ly. It emerged in Middle English to describe someone or something embodying the virtues of a saint—purity, piety, and moral excellence. The suffix -ly transforms the noun into an adjective, preserving the original spelling while extending its meaning.
Her saintly patience impressed everyone in the community.
He was known for his saintly devotion to helping the poor.
The monk led a saintly life of prayer and simplicity.
Her saintly demeanor made her a beloved figure in the church.
Despite hardships, he maintained a saintly attitude of forgiveness.