Divine
/dɪˈvaɪn/
Definitions
3 meaningsRelating to or coming from God or a god; supremely good or beautiful.
/dɪˈvaɪn/
Relating to a god; supremely good or beautiful.
The ancient Egyptians believed their pharaohs had a divine right to rule.
💡 Simply: Imagine something so amazing, so beautiful, or so wonderful that it feels almost magical, like something a god might create or be associated with. Think of a stunning sunset or a truly incredible act of kindness.
👶 For kids: When something is divine, it's like it comes from God or is super wonderful and special!
More Examples
The cathedral's stained-glass windows depicted scenes of divine figures.
Her voice had a divine quality that captivated the audience.
How It's Used
"The divine power of the deity was worshipped by the people."
"The artist's work possessed a divine quality, enchanting all who saw it."
To discover (something) by guesswork or intuition; to predict.
/dɪˈvaɪn/
To discover something by intuition or a supernatural means.
The oracle claimed to divine the future.
💡 Simply: Think of trying to guess or figure something out, almost like you have a secret insight or gut feeling. It's like trying to read someone's mind or guess the outcome before it happens, maybe using your intuition.
👶 For kids: When you divine something, you're trying to guess or find out something without being told or having a clear answer. It's like using your imagination!
More Examples
The detective tried to divine the suspect's next move.
He divined her true feelings through her subtle expressions.
How It's Used
"Using a divining rod, the water dowser attempted to divine the location of the underground spring."
"The detective tried to divine the criminal's motives."
To search for (something) using a divining rod.
/dɪˈvaɪn/
To discover the position of underground water, minerals, or other objects using a divining rod.
The water diviner worked diligently to divine a hidden underground spring on the arid land.
💡 Simply: It's when someone uses a special tool, often a forked stick (a divining rod), to try and find hidden things underground, like water or valuable minerals. It's a bit like magic, but it's based on a tradition.
👶 For kids: This means to look for things underground using a special stick!
More Examples
Farmers in some rural areas still divine for wells to find water for their crops.
Geologists sometimes use similar methods to divine mineral deposits.
How It's Used
"Using his divining rod, he attempted to divine a source of water for the farm."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
divine comedy
An epic poem by Dante Alighieri.
"The 'Divine Comedy' explores themes of sin, redemption, and the afterlife."
From Latin *dīvīnus* ('of a god, heavenly'), related to *dīvus* ('god, deity'). It entered English in the late 13th century, originally referring to something related to a god or gods.
In older texts, 'divine' was often used to describe kings and rulers who were believed to have been chosen or guided by God.
Memory tip
Think of 'divine intervention' – something exceptionally good, possibly miraculous, and related to a higher power.
Word Origin
"Of a god, heavenly"