1. (forming nouns chiefly from adjectives) denoting a state or condition: (主に形容詞から名詞を作って)状態を指す

〖形容詞分詞などに付いて名詞を作る〗状態･性質･程度を表す

e.g. liveliness | sadness.

(forming nouns chiefly from adjectives) an instance of a state or condition: (主に形容詞から名詞を作って)状態の実例

e.g. a kindness.

2. (forming nouns chiefly from adjectives) something in a certain state: (主に形容詞から名詞を作って)ある状態にある何か

e.g. wilderness.

Old English -nes, -ness, of Germanic origin.