saintly

[ seynt-lee ]

adjective

, saint·li·er, saint·li·est.

1. pertaining to, like, or befitting a saint:

   saintly lives.

saintly

/ ˈseɪntlɪ /

adjective

1. like, relating to, or suitable for a saint

Derived Forms

• ˈsaintlily, adverb
• ˈsaintliness, noun

Other Words From

• saintli·ness noun
• hyper·saintly adjective
• quasi-saintly adjective
• super·saintly adjective
• un·saintly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of saintly¹

First recorded in 1650–60; saint + -ly

Example Sentences

Then there’s UCLA, which operates in the saintly shadows while being as wholesome as a miniature stuffed Bruin mascot.

From Los Angeles Times

Pictures from Wilder’s youth and home video round out a portrait of a man whom everyone describes as gentle, innocent, kind, more or less saintly — and, of course, absolutely hilarious.

From New York Times

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Carter was a “saintly and revered public servant” driven by faith, compassion and kindness.

From Washington Times

“They were not the result of some saintly largess of Bishop Brown, as is now suggested.”

From Los Angeles Times

Though weak, he flies to a secret clinic in Mexico City, where a saintly team of doctors and helpers eases him back toward hope.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• angelic
• pious
• upstanding