Bless

/blɛs/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
3 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To ask for God's favor or protection for someone or something.

/blɛs/

verbpositiveBeginner
Action

To invoke divine favor or protection upon.

May God bless you.

💡 Simply: To ask God to protect or help someone.

More Examples

2

I bless this house.

How It's Used

Religious

"The priest blessed the congregation."

Everyday

"She blessed herself before entering the church."

2

To make something sacred or holy.

/blɛs/

verbpositiveIntermediate
Action

To make holy or sacred.

The priest blessed the chalice.

💡 Simply: To make something holy.

How It's Used

Religious

"The land was blessed by the Pope."

Tip:Think of 'bless' as making something worthy of respect.
3

To express gratitude or appreciation for something good.

/blɛs/

verbpositiveIntermediate
Emotion

To praise or admire.

I'm blessed to have this opportunity.

💡 Simply: To feel lucky or grateful.

How It's Used

Informal

"I'm blessed to have such supportive friends."

Tip:'Bless' is like saying you're lucky or fortunate.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

God bless you!

A common expression of good wishes, often said after someone sneezes.

"God bless you! You sound terrible."

From Old English *blētsan, meaning "to consecrate," from Proto-Germanic *blētzan, related to Old High German *blezzan. The word's meaning evolved from religious consecration to general expressions of good fortune.

Historically, 'bless' had a stronger connection to religious rituals and the act of making something holy. Its usage expanded over time to encompass feelings of gratitude and good fortune.

Memory tip

Think of 'bless' as bringing happiness and well-being.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"To consecrate, to make holy"

bless your heartGod bless Americabless the rains down in Africa

Common misspellings

blesbllessblesse

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written