blessing

[bles-ing]

noun

1. the act or words of a person who blesses.

2. a special favor, mercy, or benefit.

   the blessings of liberty.

   Synonyms: bounty, profit, gain, boon, advantage

3. a favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness.

4. the invoking of God's favor upon a person.

   The son was denied his father's blessing.

5. praise; devotion; worship, especially grace said before a meal.

   The children took turns reciting the blessing.

6. approval or good wishes.

   The proposed law had the blessing of the governor.

blessing

/ ˈblɛsɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of invoking divine protection or aid

2. the words or ceremony used for this

3. a short prayer of thanksgiving before or after a meal; grace

4. Also called: brachah.  brocho. Judaism

   1. a short prayer prescribed for a specific occasion and beginning "Blessed art thou, O Lord…"

   2. a section of the liturgy including a similar formula

5. approval; good wishes

   her father gave his blessing to the marriage

6. the bestowal of a divine gift or favour

7. a happy event or state of affairs

   a blessing in disguise

Word History and Origins

Origin of blessing¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English blessinge, blessunge, Old English bletsung, bledsung; equivalent to bless + -ing ¹

Idioms and Phrases

• give thanks for small blessings
• mixed blessing

Example Sentences

Practical advice from one Charles Dickens in “Sketches by Boz”: “Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

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Lincoln taught us that in our aspirations for “enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union” we must cultivate gratitude for our blessings and the introspection needed for improvement.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

However, with the bishop of Turin’s blessing, organizers were able to procure a high-resolution, full-sized replica.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"You got one life, guys, and I gotta be honest, the life I've lived with you guys has been such a blessing," he told fans.

Read more on BBC

The presence of the surly uncle, insufferable in-law, or grating girlfriend at the holiday table can make it hard to truly count one’s blessings.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• asset 
• boon 
• gift 
• good fortune www.thesaurus.com
• good luck 
• kindness 
• miracle