Beatific: meaning, definitions and examples

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beatific

 

[biˈtəːrɪfɪk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

expressing bliss

The word 'beatific' refers to a state of blissful happiness or serenity. It is often used in religious contexts to describe a person experiencing divine joy or a profound sense of peace. Such a state is usually associated with spiritual enlightenment and is characterized by an absence of worldly concerns. The term can evoke imagery of transcendent joy that is usually evident on a person's face. This term can also be utilized in literature to depict characters who embody pure happiness or enlightenment.

Synonyms

blissful, delighted, ecstatic, joyful, serene.

Examples of usage

  • She had a beatific smile as she watched the sunset.
  • After meditating, he felt a beatific sense of calm.
  • The child looked up at her mother with a beatific expression.
  • The beatific vision is often discussed in theological texts.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'beatificus,' which means 'making happy' or 'blessed.'
  • It is related to the word 'beatitude,' which refers to a state of utmost bliss or happiness.
  • The root 'beatus' means 'blessed' in Latin, emphasizing the joy associated with the term.

Religious Significance

  • In Christianity, the term is often associated with the Beatitudes, teachings by Jesus that describe the blessedness of those who achieve certain virtues.
  • Beatific vision in Catholic theology refers to the ultimate direct self-communication of God to the individual, regarded as the highest happiness.
  • The concept is used in various religions to denote a transcendent state of joy, often linked to enlightenment.

Literature and Arts

  • In literature, characters described as beatific often embody ideals of purity or divine grace, inspiring others.
  • The term appears in various artistic contexts, especially in works portraying saints, where the subject's expression reflects peace and joy.
  • Dante Alighieri’s 'Paradise' features beatific souls who are blissfully united with God, showcasing the importance of this state in his vision of the afterlife.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that states of happiness and peace can influence mental health, fostering resilience and overall well-being.
  • Achieving a beatific state might involve mindfulness practices, which encourage individuals to embrace joy and contentment present in the moment.
  • Positive psychology explores the benefits of cultivating states of bliss, emphasizing their role in boosting happiness.

Pop Culture

  • The term often appears in film and literature to describe characters or moments that evoke a pure, joyful essence.
  • Certain songs and albums have adopted the theme of beatific experiences, blending euphoric melodies with uplifting lyrics.
  • In contemporary discussions, beatific moments can refer to personal experiences of joy, such as witnessing a beautiful sunrise or engaging in a loved activity.

Translations

Translations of the word "beatific" in other languages:

🇵🇹 beatífico

🇮🇳 आनंदमय

🇩🇪 selig

🇮🇩 bahagia

🇺🇦 благословенний

🇵🇱 błogosławiony

🇯🇵 至福の

🇫🇷 béatifié

🇪🇸 beatífico

🇹🇷 mutlu

🇰🇷 복된

🇸🇦 مبارك

🇨🇿 blahoslavený

🇸🇰 blahoslavený

🇨🇳 福音的

🇸🇮 blagorojen

🇮🇸 blíður

🇰🇿 бақытты

🇬🇪 ბედნიერ

🇦🇿 bəxtiyar

🇲🇽 beatífico

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,888, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.