Word
bless
To ask for divine favor or protection for someone or something, or to make something holy.
Meanings
To make something holy or sacred, often through a religious ceremony.
To ask God or a divine power to look favorably upon someone or something, often expressing a wish for their well-being.
To express gratitude or relief, especially for something positive that has happened. Often used as an exclamation.
Definition
To bless someone or something means to invoke divine protection or favor upon them. It can also refer to making something sacred or holy through a religious rite. Additionally, the word can be used to express gratitude or relief for a positive event or outcome.
Examples
- The bishop came to bless the new church bell before its first toll.
- May God bless you and keep you safe on your journey.
- We are truly blessed to have such a supportive community.
- "Bless her heart, she always tries her best even when things are tough," he said.
- When the rain finally came after weeks of drought, the farmers blessed the sudden downpour.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "bless" with "curse," which is its direct opposite, or use it inappropriately in formal contexts where a more neutral term like "sanctify" might be preferred.
More at C1 level
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More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.