Dovelikeness

/ˈdʌvlaɪknəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being dove-like; gentleness, peacefulness, or innocence.

Etymology

From 'dove-like' plus the abstract noun suffix '-ness,' which turns adjectives into nouns representing their quality. This follows the standard English pattern seen in 'gentleness' and 'kindness'.

Kelly Says

This noun form lets poets and writers talk about dove-like qualities as an actual thing you can possess—like when they describe someone's 'dovelikeness' as their most attractive feature.

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