Meaning 1
To ask for divine care or declare something sacred.
Reach for it when expressing spiritual protection, gratitude, or consecration
The chaplain came to bless the new hospice garden.
Meaning 2
To give heartfelt approval, good wishes, or a welcome benefit.
Reach for it when offering sincere goodwill without requiring a religious meaning
Her grandfather raised a hand to bless their journey together.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| everyday | ||
| warm |
| |
| professional | ||
| formal |
| |
| literary |
warm
pray for
Fits when asking divine help for someone matters
Not when authority is formally dedicating a place
formal
consecrate
Fits when declaring something sacred is central
Not when personal good wishes are intended
literary
Fits when religious holiness is explicitly conferred
Not when general gratitude is being expressed
everyday
wish well
Fits when friendly hopes need no spiritual claim
Not when a sacred rite is taking place
professional
Fits when permission or endorsement is the point
Not when affectionate goodwill should be heard
formal
Fits when special advantage or support is granted
Not when the speaker merely offers hopes
bless the union
Their families gathered beneath the trees to bless the union.
bless this home
The neighbors shared bread and asked the elder to bless this home.
bless their efforts
May good fortune bless their efforts throughout the coming year.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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