seraphic
Americanadjective
adjective
-
of or resembling a seraph
-
blissfully serene; rapt
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of seraphic
From the Medieval Latin word seraphicus, dating back to 1625–35. See seraphim, -ic
Explanation
Something that's seraphic resembles an angel. A seraphic smile is sweet and angelic. The adjective seraphic means "like a seraph," or similar to a high-ranking angel. People with gentle, innocent faces are often said to be seraphic, and any kind of dreamy music or art can be described the same way. The word dates from the 17th century, from the Church Latin seraphicus, originally from the Hebrew seraphim, which is thought to mean "the burning one," as seraphs were traditionally "flaming" angels.
Vocabulary lists containing seraphic
Positive Words to Describe a Person
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Educated
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 18
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Seraphic Security is being brought in to lock down web browsers, because so many enterprise applications run in browsers these days.
From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026
Seraphic Security is being brought in to lock down web browsers, because so many enterprise applications run in browsers these days.
From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026
The medieval Italian philosopher Bonaventure, also known as the " Seraphic Doctor," acknowledged that biblical accounts have angels taking the form of men, but argued these were mere effigies occupied by an angelic force.
From Slate • Sep. 20, 2011
Men were as gods upon the earth, The women were most fair; Music was speech; a holy birth Of art was cradled there— For dreams took shape in pure jacinth, Seraphic brows upon the plinth.
From The Piper and the Reed by Norwood, Robert W.
The title of Seraphic Doctor bestowed upon Bonaventure is an undeniable tribute to his all-absorbing love for God.
From Saint Bonaventure The Seraphic Doctor Minister-General of the Franciscan Order by Costelloe, Laurence
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
