Blessing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
blessing
[หblษsษชล ]
Definitions
divine favor
A blessing is a prayer asking for God's protection, or a little gift from the heavens. It's also any act of approving, like when your roommate wants to move out and you give her your blessings.
Synonyms
approval, benefit, favor, gift.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| blessing |
Used to describe something that brings happiness or relief, often has a religious or moral connotation.
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| favor |
Typically used to describe a kind or helpful act done for someone, or preferential treatment. It sometimes implies an expected return of the favor.
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| approval |
Used when someone agrees with or accepts something, often in formal or official settings.
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| gift |
Typically refers to something given to someone without expecting anything in return, often for special occasions or as a token of appreciation.
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| benefit |
Refers to something that provides an advantage or improves a situation, can be used in both formal and informal settings.
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Examples of usage
- May the Lord bestow his blessings upon you.
- She gave her blessings to the newlyweds.
- The teacher's praise was a blessing to the student.
- Receiving a scholarship was a great blessing for her.
- His presence in my life is a blessing.
something that brings happiness
A blessing is something good that you are grateful for, or something that brings happiness.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| blessing |
Use this when something is seen as a positive, often spiritual or religious, favor or approval.
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| gift |
Appropriate when referring to something given willingly to someone without payment; could also mean a natural talent or ability.
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| joy |
This word describes a feeling of great happiness and pleasure.
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| fortune |
Use this when referring to luck, especially when something good happens unexpectedly. Can sometimes have a negative connotation if implying luck rather than effort.
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| benefit |
This word is appropriate when talking about advantages or positive effects that someone gets from something.
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Examples of usage
- Having good health is a blessing.
- Spending time with loved ones is a true blessing.
- The beautiful sunset was a real blessing.
- Finding a job that you love is a blessing.
- Having a roof over your head is a blessing.
a ceremonial or formal act of bestowing a blessing
A blessing can also refer to a religious ceremony or ritual in which divine favor, protection, or sanctification is imparted to people or things.
Synonyms
ceremony, consecration, ritual, sanctification.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| blessing |
Used to express approval, gratitude, or well wishes. Common in religious contexts or when giving thanks.
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| ceremony |
Refers to a formal event or ritual, often with a social or cultural significance. Typically involves specific customs and traditions.
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| ritual |
Describes a sequence of activities involving gestures, words, or objects, performed in a specific order. Can be religious or secular.
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| sanctification |
Primarily used in religious contexts to describe the process of becoming holy or being made sacred. It often involves purification or blessing practices.
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| consecration |
Used in religious contexts to describe the act of declaring something sacred, often involving a special ritual. It has a very formal and solemn connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The priest gave a blessing before the meal.
- The parents asked the rabbi to give their child a blessing.
- The Pope's blessing was seen as a sign of divine approval.
- Receiving a blessing from a holy person is considered sacred.
- The blessing of the new church was a solemn occasion.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Practices
- Many cultures hold ceremonies to express gratitude, like Thanksgiving in the U.S., where people celebrate blessings with shared meals.
- In various religious traditions, blessings are often said to invoke positivity, like Jewish 'Brachot' before meals.
Psychology
- Research shows that practicing gratitude can improve mental health and overall well-being.
- Feeling blessed can release dopamine, the 'feel-good' chemical, enhancing our mood.
Literature
- In literature, a blessing can symbolize hope and prosperity, often factors in character development and plot resolution.
- The motif of blessings appears in classic texts, portraying relationships between mortals and divine powers.
Pop Culture
- In modern music, many songs celebrate life's blessings and the joy of love and friendship, reflecting values of positivity.
- Social media often includes posts or hashtags like #blessed, showing appreciation for life's simple joys and achievements.
Origin of 'blessing'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'blฤdsian,' meaning to consecrate with blood, reflecting ancient rituals of gratitude.
- In Middle English, it shifted to 'blesing' and meant to invoke divine favor or protection.
The word 'blessing' has its origins in Old English, from the verb 'blesian' meaning to consecrate or make holy. The concept of blessings has been present in various religious and cultural traditions throughout history, symbolizing divine favor, protection, or approval. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass not only religious connotations but also secular meanings related to happiness, gratitude, and well-being.
Word Frequency Rank
At #5,339 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
- 5336 indebtedness
- 5337 influential
- 5338 copied
- 5339 blessing
- 5340 refined
- 5341 gradient
- 5342 evaluating
- ...