The spelling of the word "godlessness" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "ɒ" like in "hot", followed by a "d" sound and an "l" sound pronounced with the tongue pressed against the back of the teeth. The second syllable starts with a long "ɛ" like in "bed" followed by a "l" sound and a short "n" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a schwa or neutral vowel sound and an "s" sound. Altogether, the word is pronounced as "god-lis-ness."
Godlessness is a noun that refers to the absence or denial of belief in a god or gods, particularly within a religious or spiritual context. It denotes a state or condition where an individual or a society lacks faith in, disregards, or rejects the existence of a higher power or any divine entity.
The term implies the absence of religious reverence, devotion, or piety. It can manifest in various forms, ranging from a lack of interest in religious matters to a deliberate rejection of religious beliefs. Godlessness may be characterized by an absence of prayer, participation in religious rituals, or adherence to religious doctrines or commandments.
This concept is often associated with atheism, which asserts that there is no evidence to support the existence of gods or supernatural beings. However, godlessness can also extend to those who identify as agnostic, acknowledging the limitations of knowledge and expressing uncertainty or doubt regarding the existence of a deity. In a broader sense, godlessness can extend beyond individuals and encompass societal trends or cultural norms that minimize or reject religious influence, sometimes resulting in secularism or irreligiosity.
Ultimately, godlessness represents an absence of faith or belief in a divine being or higher power, and it is deeply intertwined with philosophical, spiritual, and cultural perspectives on the existence and significance of gods.
State of being godless or irreligious.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "godlessness" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "god" and "less".
The word "god" comes from Old English "god" or "gōd", which was related to the Old Norse word "guð" and the Gothic word "guth". It is ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "gudan", meaning "to worship" or "to sacrifice". This Proto-Germanic term is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*gheu-dh-", which meant "to pour" or "to sacrifice".
The suffix "-less" is derived from Old English "-lēas", which signifies without or lacking. It traces back to the Proto-Germanic "-laisaz" or "-lēsaz", ultimately stemming from the Proto-Indo-European "*-losos".