bless

The word “bless” means to ask for divine favour or protection for someone or something. In plain terms, to call for divine favour or protection over someone or something; also used as a warm (or gently mocking) exclamation.

“Bless” is pronounced blehs (/blɛs/ in IPA).

Here is “bless” used in a sentence: “The priest blessed the newlyweds at the end of the ceremony.”

The opposite of “bless” — its antonyms — are curse, condemn and unbless.

Depending on how it is used, “bless” can be a verb and an intj.

The word “bless” comes from Old English. From Old English "bletsian," originally meaning to sanctify with blood in a religious rite — related to the word "blood" itself.

“Bless” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Bless” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to ask for divine favour or protection for someone or something.

To bless someone is to ask for divine favour or protection over them, expressing goodwill. To curse someone is the direct opposite: wishing harm or misfortune on them. Blessing conveys protection and kindness, while cursing conveys ill will.

'Bless you' is a set expression of goodwill said after a sneeze, drawing on the sense of 'bless' meaning to wish someone divine favour or protection. Today most speakers use it simply as a polite reflex rather than a religious statement.

'Bless' has religious roots in its main sense of asking for divine favour or protection, and it is common in prayer and worship. However, it is also widely used in everyday, non-religious ways, such as an affectionate or grateful interjection like 'bless you' or 'bless them'.