Benediction
A blessing or good wishes spoken aloud, especially at the end of a religious service.
nounBenediction
A blessing or good wishes spoken aloud, especially at the end of a religious service.
nounImagine This
Imagine a quiet chapel at dusk. The officiant raises his hands, speaks a warm blessing, and a soft, hopeful light seems to emanate from the words as the congregation bows their heads in reverent silence.
Sounds Like
BEN-uh-DIK-shun
Looks Like
bene-diction (bene = good) + diction (speech); visually suggests two parts: bene + diction
Remember This
Benediction is the formal blessing spoken at the end of a service; its opposite is malediction (a curse). The root bene- means good, which helps remember that benediction is a 'good saying'.
Other Forms
Connect With
blessing, benison, grace, prayer, liturgy
Note
Do not confuse benediction with benedict (a blessed person or the name Benedict). Benedic- is the root related to blessing; benediction is the act, while benedictional or benedictory are related forms.