Heaven
'hɛvən
Definitions
3 meaningsA place regarded as a paradise, often associated with religion and the afterlife; the dwelling place of God and the blessed.
'hɛvən
The abode of God and the angels; the afterlife.
Many religions believe in heaven as a reward for good deeds.
💡 Simply: Imagine a super-happy place you go to after you're done with your life, kind of like a really awesome party that never ends! It's a place where everything is perfect, and everyone is happy.
👶 For kids: Heaven is a happy place in the sky where good people go when they die.
More Examples
She looked up at the starry night sky, imagining heaven above.
The loss of his loved one filled his heart with the hope of heaven.
How It's Used
"Believers hope to go to heaven after they die."
"The poet described heaven as a place of eternal peace and joy."
A state of great happiness, pleasure, or delight.
'hɛvən
A place or state of supreme happiness.
The concert was heaven for music lovers.
💡 Simply: Think about something that makes you incredibly happy, like eating your favorite ice cream or going to the beach on a sunny day. That feeling is like 'heaven' – the best feeling ever!
👶 For kids: Heaven can also mean when you feel super happy, like you're in a wonderful place!
More Examples
The beach vacation was heaven after a long, hard winter.
The smell of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, creating a little heaven.
How It's Used
"Their wedding was heaven on earth."
"This pizza is heaven!"
The sky or the expanse above the Earth.
'hɛvən
The sky.
The birds soared high in the heavens.
💡 Simply: Like looking up at the clouds and the stars. It's the big, open space above us.
👶 For kids: The sky! Like the blue or starry part above you.
More Examples
Ancient astronomers studied the movements of celestial bodies in the heavens.
The storm clouds darkened the heavens.
How It's Used
"The heavens opened and the rain poured down."
Idioms & expressions
heaven forbid
Used to express strong disapproval or a wish that something will not happen.
"Heaven forbid that they should be late!"
a match made in heaven
A perfect combination; a perfect relationship.
"They're a match made in heaven. They're perfect for each other!"
on cloud nine
Extremely happy; elated.
"She was on cloud nine after winning the lottery."
From Old English *heofon* (plural *heofonas*), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *himinaz*, meaning 'sky, firmament'. Related to words for 'sky' in other Germanic languages. Has theological connotations since early use in Christian texts.
The word 'heaven' appears throughout the history of the English language, prominently in religious texts and poetry. It has evolved from its original meaning of the visible sky to encompass spiritual and metaphorical realms.
Memory tip
Think of a peaceful, cloud-filled place.