Vocabulary in context
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Benediction
A blessing or good wishes spoken aloud, especially at the end of a religious service.
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Imagine 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.
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Sounds Like
BEN-uh-DIK-shun
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Looks Like
bene-diction (bene = good) + diction (speech); visually suggests two parts: bene + diction
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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'.
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Other Forms
benedictionsnoun
benedictoryadjective
benedictionaladjective
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Connect With
blessing, benison, grace, prayer, liturgy
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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.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The pastor delivered a benediction at the end of the service.
- Before the closing prayer, the choir sang a benediction that filled the room with warmth.
Synonyms
blessingbenisongrace
Antonyms
cursemalediction
Etymology
From Latin benedictio 'blessing', from benedicere 'to bless' (bene- 'well, good' + dicere 'to speak').
Mnemonic
Bene- means good and diction means speaking; a benediction is a good spoken blessing. Remember 'bene' (good) + 'diction' (speech).
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Diffuse
verb (also adjective)To spread out or distribute over a wide area; to disperse or disseminate. As an adjective, describing something that is not concentrated or is unfocused/rambling.
Acknowledge
verbTo admit that something is true or real; to recognize the existence, validity, or status of something or someone; and to confirm receipt or awareness of something.
Coalesce
verbTo grow together; unite into one body
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).
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