blessing (ˈblɛsɪŋ
)
Definitions
noun
- the act of invoking divine protection or aid
- the words or ceremony used for this
- a short prayer of thanksgiving before or after a meal; grace
- Also called
brachah brocho Judaism- a short prayer prescribed for a specific occasion and beginning "Blessed art thou, O Lord…"
- a section of the liturgy including a similar formula
- approval; good wishes ⇒
her father gave his blessing to the marriage
- the bestowal of a divine gift or favour
- a happy event or state of affairs ⇒
a blessing in disguise
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry=
benefit,
help,
service,
profit,
gain,
advantage,
favour,
gift,
windfall,
kindness,
boon,
good fortune
bounty,
godsend,
manna from heaven,
=
approval,
backing,
support,
agreement,
regard,
favour,
sanction,
go-ahead,
permission,
leave,
consent,
mandate,
endorsement,
green light,
ratification,
assent,
authorization,
good wishes
acquiescence,
approbation,
concurrence,
O.K. or okay
bless (blɛs)
Definitions
verb
Word forms: blesses, blessing, blessed, blest
(tr) - to consecrate or render holy, beneficial, or prosperous by means of a religious rite
- to give honour or glory to (a person or thing) as divine or holy
- to call upon God to protect; give a benediction to
- to worship or adore (God); call or hold holy
- (often passive) to grant happiness, health, or prosperity to ⇒
they were blessed with perfect peace
- (usually passive) to endow with a talent, beauty, etc ⇒
she was blessed with an even temper
- rare to protect against evil or harm
- See bless!
- See bless you!
- See bless me!
- See not have a penny to bless oneself with
Word Origin
Old English blǣdsian to sprinkle with sacrificial blood; related to blōdbloodUsage examples
Taking Medalon was not going to be easy, despite the Kariens ' numerical superiority and the much-talked-about blessing of the Overlord.
, TREASON KEEP (2001)But unlike past efforts at gay marriage, ceremonies in Massachusetts have the blessing of the state's Supreme Court.
Spiked (2004)In other words, government would play a role in the merger process even if the Competition Bureau gave mergers its blessing.
Globe and Mail (2003)When a small child is brought forward for a blessing , though, his eyes light up.
Glasgow Herald (2001)The priest laughed and said, `Now you've had your blessing on the cheap.
, A BOOK OF LANDS AND PEOPLES (2003)