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

Yet, that could be a blessing in disguise as George made his first start and fourth appearance of the season - again acting as deputy to only fit striker Joao Pedro.

From BBC

It is unlikely that TikTok's parent company would sell its prize app without the blessing of the Chinese government.

From BBC

"These pieces and these characters meant so much to people - so to have been involved in something like that is an absolute blessing."

From BBC

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee was at the White House for the signing, seemingly giving his blessing for the incursion of federal troops.

From Salon

It comes after Mitchell described his friendship with Epstein as "a blessing" in a handwritten letter from 2003, which was released on Tuesday.

From BBC

Related Words

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