Heavens Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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heavens
[ˈhɛvənz ]
Definitions
in religion
The heavens refer to the sky, the outer space, or the realm of the divine beings in religious beliefs. It is often seen as a place of ultimate power and authority.
Synonyms
celestial sphere, firmament, sky.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| heavens |
Often used in a poetic or religious context to describe the sky or the abode of deities.
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| sky |
A general term used in everyday language to refer to the atmosphere or the space visible above the earth.
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| celestial sphere |
Commonly used in an astronomical or scientific context to describe an imaginary sphere encompassing the earth with celestial bodies 'located' upon it.
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| firmament |
Typically used in literary or religious texts to refer to the sky or heavens, suggesting a firm, solid structure.
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Examples of usage
- The stars in the heavens were shining brightly that night.
- She prayed to the heavens for guidance.
expressing surprise or emotion
Heavens is used as an exclamation to show strong emotion or surprise, similar to 'oh my God' or 'goodness'. It is a way of expressing intense feelings.
Synonyms
OMG, goodness, wow.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| heavens |
Used to express surprise or amazement, often in a more old-fashioned or formal context.
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| goodness |
Shows mild surprise or relief and is often used in everyday informal speech.
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| OMG |
An abbreviation for 'Oh my God,' commonly used in informal texts or speech, especially among younger people.
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| wow |
Expresses wonder, admiration, or disbelief and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
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Examples of usage
- Heavens! I can't believe it!
- Good Heavens, that was close!
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Religion and Belief Systems
- In Christianity, heaven is often seen as a place of eternal peace and happiness where believers go after death.
- In various cultures, such as the Hindu tradition, heaven is described as 'Svarga,' a place of enjoyment and divine bliss.
Literature
- In John Milton's epic poem 'Paradise Lost,' heaven is depicted as a majestic realm filled with light and order, contrasting with the chaos of hell.
- Shakespeare often referred to the heavens in his works as a way to express the emotions of his characters, linking their actions to cosmic forces.
Science
- From an astronomical perspective, the heavens include everything in outer space, such as stars, planets, and galaxies that we can see in the night sky.
- The study of celestial phenomena has led to advancements in navigation, allowing people to travel across oceans and discover new lands.
Art and Culture
- Many artists have painted scenes of heaven, often illustrating it with bright colors, clouds, and divine figures, influencing how people visualize this elusive place.
- In music, composers like Mozart have created pieces that evoke feelings of celestial beauty, often referring to the heavens in lyrics and titles.
Origin of 'heavens'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'heaven' comes from the Old English 'heofon,' which means 'sky' or 'home of God.'
- In many languages, the word for 'heaven' is related to light and brightness, highlighting its association with goodness and purity.
The word 'heavens' has been used in English since the 13th century. It is derived from the Old English word 'heofon', which has roots in Germanic and Old Norse languages. The concept of heavens has been present in various religious and mythological beliefs throughout history, symbolizing the realm of gods or the afterlife.
See also: heavenly, heavenward, heavenwards.