bless

American  

[bles] / blɛs /

verb (used with object)

blessed, blest, blessing

1. to consecrate or sanctify by a religious rite; make or pronounce holy.

   Synonyms:

   beatify, magnify, glorify, hallow, exalt

2. to request of God the bestowal of divine favor on.

   Bless this house.

3. to bestow good of any kind upon.

   a nation blessed with peace.

4. to extol as holy; glorify.

   Bless the name of the Lord.

5. to protect or guard from evil (usually used as an interjection).

   Bless you! Bless your innocent little heart!

6. to condemn or curse.

   I'll be blessed if I can see your reasoning. Bless me if it isn't my old friend!

7. to make the sign of the cross over or upon.

   The Pope blessed the multitude.

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bless British  

/ blɛs /

verb

1. to consecrate or render holy, beneficial, or prosperous by means of a religious rite

2. to give honour or glory to (a person or thing) as divine or holy

3. to call upon God to protect; give a benediction to

4. to worship or adore (God); call or hold holy

5. (often passive) to grant happiness, health, or prosperity to

   they were blessed with perfect peace

6. (usually passive) to endow with a talent, beauty, etc

   she was blessed with an even temper

7. rare to protect against evil or harm

8. (interjection) an exclamation of well-wishing

9. (interjection)

   1. a traditional phrase said to a person who has just sneezed

   2. an exclamation of well-wishing or surprise

10. (interjection) an exclamation of surprise

11. to be desperately poor

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Other Word Forms

• blesser noun
• blessingly adverb
• outbless verb (used with object)
• prebless verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of bless

First recorded before 950; Middle English blessen, Old English blētsian, blēdsian “to consecrate” (originally done with blood), earlier *blōdisōian ( blōd “blood” + -isō- derivational suffix + -ian verb suffix); blood

Example Sentences

Considering the slop he tries to pass off as palatable, this is actually a blessing.

From Salon

As the Rhondda valley is blessed with a landscape carved by powerful streams, Williams believes micro-hydro systems could benefit communities across the area.

From BBC

He would say things such as: "How's your day going? Are you having a blessed day? And then the conversations ended with have a blessed day, God bless you."

From BBC

Looking back, he viewed “Silk Degrees” as a blessing and a curse.

From The Wall Street Journal

Blessed Trust, the Hong Kong company, said it operated in accordance with laws and regulatory requirements, and carried out sanctions-screening procedures and appropriate compliance and risk management controls.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• anoint
• baptize
• consecrate
• ordain
• thank