blessing
UK: ˈblɛsɪŋ | US: ˈblɛsɪŋ
n. 1. A prayer or act of asking for divine favor or protection.
n. 2. Something that brings happiness, well-being, or good fortune.
n. 3. Approval or encouragement for a person or action.
blessing = bless<to consecrate> + ing<noun suffix>
- bless: Derived from Old English blētsian (to consecrate with blood), later influenced by blēdan (to bleed) in religious contexts, evolving to mean "to invoke divine favor."
- ing: A common English suffix forming nouns from verbs, indicating an action or result (e.g., "running," "building").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to pagan rituals where blood (blēd) was used to sanctify objects. With Christianization, blētsian shifted to spiritual benediction, losing its literal blood association. The suffix -ing solidified its noun form, reflecting both the act of blessing and its positive outcome.
The priest gave a blessing to the newlyweds.
Good health is truly a blessing.
Her parents’ support was a blessing for her career.
The community celebrated the blessing of the new hospital.
He considered the rain a blessing for the parched crops.