Cleanliness

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈklɛn.li.nᵻs/

Definitions

1. The state or quality of being free from dirt, marks, or impurities
2. The condition of being free from dirt and impurities pertains to both physical surroundings and personal hygiene practices
3. The quality characterized by the absence of filth and the maintenance of hygiene in personal and environmental contexts

Etymology: "Cleanliness" is a plain formation: the adjective "clean" gave rise to the adverb "cleanly," and English then added the suffix "-ness" to that adverb to make a noun. The suffix itself has a long pedigree, descending from a Proto-Germanic ancestor and passing through Old English as "-nes" before settling into the Middle English "-nesse" and modern "-ness." Words built this way, from an adjective or adverb plus "-ness," are among the most productive in English, which is why the language can turn almost any quality into a noun. Because "clean" and "cleanly" share a root, the two words diverged in use over time. "Cleanly" kept a sense of habitually keeping oneself or one's surroundings tidy, while "cleanliness" took on the broader meaning of the state of being free from dirt, marks, or impurities. The noun therefore names a condition rather than an action or habit.

Synonyms: neatness, tidiness, purity

Antonyms: dirtiness, messiness