bless

Forms

present (v1): bless
past (v2): blest
past participle (v3): blest
present participle: blessing
3rd person singular: blesses

Definitions

Verb
A word that expresses an action, state, or occurrence.

1.To make something holy by religious rite, sanctify.
2.To invoke divine favor upon.
- In some countries, priests bless farm animals on St. Anthony's Day.
- In many families, a grace is said before dinner to give thanks for and bless the food.
3.To honor as holy, glorify; to extol for excellence.
4.To esteem or account happy; to felicitate.

Interjection
A word or short phrase used to express a sudden emotion or reaction.

1.Used as an expression of endearment, gratitude, or (ironically) belittlement.(informal)
- Ah bless! You must be the welcoming committee for anyone who dares express ignorance.
- Aw bless.. have white chocolate fudge muffin..a new batch.. made them last night after Nigella..

Frequency

Overall

Uncommon· #3235

By learning goal

Everyday conversation: Rare
General reading & writing: Uncommon
Academic: Rare
Literature: Rare

Related words

Antonyms

damn

Word family

Etymology

From Middle English blessen, from Old English bletsian (“to consecrate (with blood)”), from Proto-West Germanic *blōdisōn (“to sprinkle, mark or hallow with blood”), from Proto-Germanic *blōþą (“blood”), of uncertain origin, possibly from Proto-Indo-European *bʰleh₃- (“to bloom”).

VerbVerb×A word that expresses an action, state, or occurrence.

IntjInterjection×A word or short phrase used to express a sudden emotion or reaction.