Heavenly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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heavenly

[ˈhɛvənli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

of or relating to heaven

Heavenly is an adjective that describes something as being of or relating to heaven, the place where it is believed that God and the angels live. It can also refer to something that is delightful, perfect, or incredibly beautiful.

Synonyms

angelic, celestial, divine, paradisiacal.

Examples of usage

  • The music was so beautiful, it sounded heavenly.
  • She had a heavenly smile that could brighten anyone's day.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a delightful manner

Heavenly can also be used as an adverb to describe something done in a delightful or perfect manner.

Synonyms

beautifully, divinely, perfectly.

Examples of usage

  • She sang heavenly, capturing the hearts of everyone in the audience.
  • The dessert tasted heavenly, like a piece of paradise.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culture

  • Art throughout history often depicts heavenly subjects, especially in religious works to evoke feelings of divinity.
  • In literature, writers for centuries have used 'heavenly' to describe ideal love, landscapes, and experiences that elevate the human spirit.
  • In music, many genres, from classical to modern pop, use 'heavenly' to describe celestial sounds that lift the listener's mood.

Science

  • In astronomy, scientists refer to heavenly bodies which include stars, planets, and other celestial phenomena.
  • The atmosphere and its layers are often described as 'heavenly' due to the beautiful colors and visuals seen at sunrise and sunset.
  • Psychological studies suggest that experiences deemed 'heavenly' can lead to increased feelings of well-being and reduce stress.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'heavenly' experiences is often related to moments of extreme happiness known as 'peak experiences' in psychology.
  • Feeling something is 'heavenly' can trigger the release of endorphins, creating a sensation of joy and positivity.
  • Research shows that people associate 'heavenly' with feelings of tranquility, often correlating it with nature and beauty.

Food

  • The term 'heavenly' is commonly used in culinary contexts to describe dishes that are exceptionally tasty and pleasing.
  • Desserts labeled as 'heavenly' often include rich ingredients like chocolate and cream, making them irresistible to many.
  • Food critics often use the term 'heavenly' to denote flavors or meals that provide a euphoric experience to the palate.

Origin of 'heavenly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'heavenly' comes from the Old English 'heofon', which originally meant 'sky' or 'sky world'.
  • In Middle English, 'heaven' referred not only to a celestial place but also to a state of bliss or happiness.
  • The suffix 'ly' implies a quality or manner, making 'heavenly' suggest the qualities of heaven.

The word 'heavenly' originated from the Old English word 'heofonlic', which means 'heavenly'. It has been used in English literature and poetry to describe something of divine or celestial nature. The concept of 'heavenly' is often associated with ideas of perfection, beauty, and spirituality, making it a popular word in various contexts.


See also: heavens, heavenward, heavenwards.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,502 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.