French word

bénédiction

Pronunciation

IPA/benediksjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounblessing

Example

Quelle bénédiction !

What a blessing!

Illustration for bénédiction (blessing)

More examples

Ils ont reçu la bénédiction de leurs parents.

They received their parents' blessing.

Core concept

A hand raised over someone, a word of approval, or good fortune received as a gift.

Common phrases

  • donner sa bénédiction

    give one's blessing

  • recevoir la bénédiction

    receive the blessing

Similar words

approbation: Expressed agreement that an idea or action is good.
accord: Mutual agreement on the same opinion or decision.
permission: Official consent for a particular action.
soutien: Support provided through help or strength for someone's actions.

Definition in French

Acte de bénir par une parole, un geste ou une intention ; peut aussi désigner l'approbation donnée ou l'avantage considéré comme une grâce.

Word origin

French bénédiction derives from Latin benedictio, formed from bene meaning 'well' and dicere meaning 'say', through learned religious usage.

Usage tips

  • In donner sa bénédiction à, the noun expresses approval of a plan or relationship and need not refer to a religious ceremony.

Opposites

Related words

  • bénirblessverb
  • béniblessedadjective

Word lists with this word