Becomingness

/bɪˈkʌmɪŋnəs/ noun

Definition

the quality of being becoming; suitability, grace, or attractiveness.

Etymology

From 'becoming' plus the '-ness' suffix, creating an abstract noun. This represents the 17th-18th century habit of nominalizing adjectives to discuss qualities as philosophical concepts.

Kelly Says

English lets you add '-ness' to almost any adjective to make it a noun representing that quality—'becomingness' is the abstract essence of being 'becoming,' a concept beloved by Victorian writers.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.