seraphic

American  

[si-raf-ik] / sɪˈræf ɪk /

Often seraphical

adjective

1. of, like, or befitting a seraph.

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seraphic British  

/ sɪˈræfɪk /

adjective

1. of or resembling a seraph

2. blissfully serene; rapt

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Other Word Forms

• nonseraphic adjective
• nonseraphical adjective
• nonseraphically adverb
• seraphically adverb
• seraphicalness noun
• superseraphic adjective
• superseraphical adjective
• superseraphically adverb
• unseraphic adjective
• unseraphical adjective
• unseraphically adverb

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.

Example Sentences

And the closed-eyes, seraphic expression on her face.

From BBC • Sep. 22, 2023

For “No Pude,” which translates to “I could not,” Pimienta’s seraphic vocals cut through haunting harmonies as she wrestled with the exhaustion and apprehension her home country conjured within her.

From Washington Post • Apr. 6, 2022

Throughout the production of “If Beale Street Could Talk,” it appears some seraphic energy was present.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2018

He works in an argot of amiable swing, punctuated by startling disruptions and occasional shots of seraphic beauty.

From New York Times • Mar. 22, 2018

And then suddenly, click went her face into a look of almost seraphic calm.

From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl