bliss
blihs
Bliss (noun) means a state of complete happiness or contentment. Example: “Lying on the beach with nothing to do felt like pure bliss.”
noun
1
A state of complete happiness or contentment.
"Lying on the beach with nothing to do felt like pure bliss."
"Ignorance is bliss, as the saying goes."
"After weeks of exams, a quiet evening with a book was sheer bliss."
How to use bliss
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTotal, perfect happiness — a step up from just being content or pleased.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
pure bliss
domestic bliss
blissful state
ignorance is bliss
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Word forms
- Plural
- blisses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Lying on the beach with nothing to do felt like pure _____.
Etymology
From Old English bliss, an earlier form of blīþs meaning "joy, gladness," from a West Germanic root also connected to the word blithe.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for bliss
See all rhymes for bliss →Frequently asked questions
What does “bliss” mean?
The word “bliss” means a state of complete happiness or contentment. In plain terms, total, perfect happiness — a step up from just being content or pleased.
How do you pronounce “bliss”?
“Bliss” is pronounced blihs (/blɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “bliss” in a sentence?
Here is “bliss” used in a sentence: “Lying on the beach with nothing to do felt like pure bliss.”
What part of speech is “bliss”?
“Bliss” is a noun.
Where does the word “bliss” come from?
The word “bliss” comes from Old English. From Old English bliss, an earlier form of blīþs meaning "joy, gladness," from a West Germanic root also connected to the word blithe.
Is “bliss” a common word?
“Bliss” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between bliss and happiness?
Happiness covers a broad range of positive feelings, from mild contentment to joy, while bliss describes a more intense, complete state of happiness or contentment. Bliss often carries a sense of peacefulness or even spiritual fulfillment that ordinary happiness does not imply.
Is bliss used to describe everyday happiness or something more special?
Bliss is typically reserved for especially deep or complete happiness, such as a blissful vacation or wedded bliss, rather than routine satisfaction. Using it for minor pleasures can sound exaggerated.
