'godliness' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'godlicnes,' where 'god' meant 'deity' and '-licnes' meant 'state or condition.'

'godlicnes' transformed into the Middle English word 'godlinesse,' and eventually became the modern English word 'godliness.'

Initially, it meant 'the state of being like God,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'devoutness or piety.'