adjective
-
displaying great happiness, calmness, etc
a beatific smile
-
of, conferring, or relating to a state of celestial happiness
Other Word Forms
- beatifically adverb
- nonbeatific adjective
- nonbeatifically adverb
Etymology
Origin of beatific
First recorded in 1630–40; from French, from Late Latin beātificus “making happy,” equivalent to beāt(us) (past participle of beāre “to bless”) + -i- + -ficus; see -ate 1, -i-, -fic
Explanation
That blissful grin on your face? It could be described as beatific, meaning it projects a peaceful sense of joy. If you have a beatific smile on your face, then the happiness it shows is the real thing. This word doesn’t describe phony smiles or quick grins that show a little amusement. Use beatific to describe something characterized by complete and perfect joy. It’s often used to describe a smile, but it can be used to describe anything in a state of bliss.
Vocabulary lists containing beatific
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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!
Fahrenheit 451
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!
Smiley Face: Synonyms for "Happy"
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.
She started off strong, rich and nuanced in Dejanira’s bleak lament about her husband’s long absence and her beatific vision of their future together after death.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026
She was usually photographed gazing adoringly up at her husband, often while gathering their children around her in a beatific — and patriarchal — tableau.
From Salon • Sep. 24, 2025
As Chapman sang and played guitar, she looked satisfied, serene, almost beatific.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2024
Mr Kirke later said jumping from Isambard Kingdom Brunel's 150-year-old structure, was an "almost beatific moment".
From BBC • Oct. 25, 2023
A beatific smile crosses her face, but before she can take another step, two guards are on her.
From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed
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.
