Churchiness

/ˈtʃɜːtʃɪnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being church-like, overly formal, pious, or ecclesiastical in manner or appearance.

Etymology

From 'churchy' (church + -y) plus the suffix '-ness' (creating abstract nouns from adjectives), forming a noun describing the abstract quality itself.

Kelly Says

The '-ness' suffix is one of English's oldest tools for turning adjectives into abstract nouns—it's been doing this job since Old English times, creating words like 'kindness,' 'darkness,' and 'churchiness!'

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