What does “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” mean?
"Cleanliness is next to godliness" means that cleanliness is an important aspect of one's life, both physically and morally, and it is often used to encourage cleanliness in one's personal habits and living environment, as well as in one's behavior towards others.
What context can I use the in?
Example
My mother always told me that cleanliness is next to godliness. She believed that a clean and organized environment leads to a clear and focused mind.
Example
The teacher emphasized the importance of cleanliness by saying that cleanliness is next to godliness. She encouraged the students to keep their desks and classrooms tidy.
Example
In many religions, there is a belief that cleanliness is next to godliness. People are encouraged to purify themselves physically and spiritually to connect with a higher power
Is “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” effectively in context?
You can use "Cleanliness is next to godliness" to emphasize the importance of cleanliness in various aspects of life. It encourages maintaining cleanliness in personal habits, living environments, and behavior towards others. For instance, if you notice a friend's messy room, you might say, 'Remember, cleanliness is next to godliness. It's important to keep your living space clean and organized.'
- 1Personal Habits
To stay healthy, it's essential to practice good hygiene. As they say, cleanliness is next to godliness.
- 2Living Environment
A clean and organized living space promotes a peaceful mind. That's why they say cleanliness is next to godliness.
- 3Behavior Towards Others
Treating others with respect and kindness is a reflection of one's character. Remember, cleanliness is next to godliness.
Similar phrases to “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”:
Tidy house, tidy mind
This phrase suggests that having an organized living space leads to a clear and focused mind.
Example
She always keeps her room tidy because she believes in the saying 'tidy house, tidy mind'.
This phrase emphasizes the importance of cleanliness in religious beliefs and practices.
Example
In Islam, cleanliness is considered half of faith, and Muslims are encouraged to maintain cleanliness in all aspects of life.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cleanliness is next to godliness" is unknown.
Is “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cleanliness is next to godliness" is a well-known proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It is commonly used to emphasize the importance of cleanliness and its positive impact on various aspects of life.
What tone does “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” have?
"Cleanliness is next to godliness" conveys a tone of importance and moral values. It is often used to encourage individuals to prioritize cleanliness and maintain a high standard of hygiene.
Can “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "cleanliness is next to godliness" is considered formal and is suitable for use in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in educational settings, religious contexts, and discussions about personal hygiene and cleanliness.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Remember, cleanliness is next to godliness. It's important to keep your living space clean and organized.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Cleanliness is next to godliness!' to emphasize the importance of cleanliness.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- neatness is close to godliness
- cleanliness is akin to godliness
- purity is next to godliness
- cleanliness is near to godliness
- cleanliness is a virtue
Antonyms
- messiness is far from godliness
- dirtiness is distant from godliness
- uncleanliness is opposite to godliness
- filthiness is far removed from godliness
- disorderliness is contrary to godliness
