Beatify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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beatify
[biːˈtɪfəˌkaɪ ]
Definition
spiritual context
To beatify is to officially proclaim a deceased person's entry into heaven and their ability to intercede for the faithful. This declaration is made by the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church. The process of beatification occurs after a thorough examination of the individual's life, virtues, and, sometimes, miracles attributed to them. It's considered a step towards sainthood, although beatified individuals are not yet canonized saints. The term is often used in a religious context and carries a sense of sanctity.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The Pope beatified the remarkable priest.
- Her devotion led him to be beatified.
- After years of research, the bishop was finally beatified.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Religious Significance
- In the Catholic Church, beatification is the process that recognizes a deceased person's entry into heaven.
- Only after beatification can someone be called 'Blessed' and have a feast day in their honor.
- Beatification is a step towards sainthood, reflecting the person's virtuous life and miracles attributed to them after death.
Cultural Aspects
- Beatification often leads to local and global recognition of a person's good deeds, influencing community values.
- It can inspire followers to emulate virtuous behavior, as seen in various cultures throughout history.
- Stories of beatified individuals often become legends, encouraging acts of kindness and charity.
Philosophical Perspectives
- The concept of beatitude is tied to ideas of ultimate happiness and the fulfillment of human potential.
- Philosophers speculate that achieving true beatitude involves living a life of virtue and compassion.
- Discussions about beatification raise questions about what it means to be truly good in a complex world.
Literary References
- The theme of sainthood and beatification appears in works by classic authors like Dante in 'The Divine Comedy'.
- Modern literature sometimes critiques the process of beatification, questioning the motives behind it.
- Poets often explore the notion of achieving a 'beatific' state through love, compassion, and selflessness in their writings.
Origin of 'beatify'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'beatificare', which means 'to make happy' or 'to bless'.
- It was first used in the English language in the 16th century, primarily in a religious context.
- In addition to religious uses, it can refer to any act that brings joy or happiness.
The term 'beatify' comes from the Latin word 'beatificare', which means 'to make happy or blessed.' The root 'beatificus' signifies the state of bliss or happiness, particularly in a divine sense. It first entered the English language in the 15th century, with references to the process of declaring a person blessed. Over the centuries, it evolved within the context of the Catholic Church, establishing a formal set of criteria and procedures for beatification. The process reflects the Church's acknowledgment of individuals who have demonstrated heroic virtue or have made significant contributions to the faith. Thus, beatification not only signifies an individual's sanctity but also serves to inspire the faithful, encouraging them to emulate the virtues of the beatified individual.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #42,383, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.