Reading Theme:
Bless: Meaning, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：express good wishes (bless)
bless
/bles/
v
To say kind words, hoping good things will happen to someone.
express good wishes
➕
/ɪkˈspres ɡʊd ˈwɪʃɪz/
v
To speak kindly to someone, invoking happiness or success for them.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'blēdsian' (to mark with blood), later meaning 'to consecrate' or 'to wish well'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'bless' as 'be less' worried; a wish for peace brings blessing.
📖 Example
My grandmother always blesses me with words of wisdom and encouragement before I start a new job.
Before I start a new job, my grandmother always shares wise and encouraging words to bless me.
🔗 Collocations
bless someone with – to give someone a special gift or quality
bless your heart – an expression of affection or gratitude
bless you – said after someone sneezes or as a general well-wishing
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Originally from Old English 'blēdsian' meaning to consecrate with blood; in modern culture, 'bless you' is said after sneezes, rooted in medieval plague prayers.
Meaning 2：make holy (bless)
bless
/bles/
v
In a religious ceremony, to make a person or thing holy through prayer.
make holy
➕
/meɪk ˈhoʊli/
v
To invoke divine favor upon someone or something, setting it apart as sacred in a religious ceremony.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The priest will bless the newborn baby during the baptism ceremony this Sunday.
During the baptism ceremony this Sunday, the priest will bless the newborn baby.
🔗 Collocations
bless the bread – to consecrate the bread during Eucharist
bless oneself – to make the sign of the cross over oneself
bless the congregation – to impart a blessing on the gathering
🔄 Synonyms
consecrate (v) – to make or declare sacred
sanctify (v) – to set apart as holy
hallow (v) – to honor as holy
🚫 Antonyms
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