benediction
pronunciation
How to pronounce benediction in British English:
UK [ˌbenɪˈdɪkʃn]
How to pronounce benediction in American English:
US [ˌbɛnɪˈdɪkʃən]
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- Noun:
- the act of praying for divine protection
- a ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection
Word Origin
- benediction (n.)
- c. 1400, from Latin benedictionem (nominative benedictio), noun of action from bene dicere "to speak well of, bless," from bene "well" (see bene-) + dicere "to speak" (see diction). The oldest sense in English is of grace before meat. The older French form, beneiçon passed into Middle English as benison.
Antonym
Example
- 1. Vietnam may have to wait until 2019 for a similar benediction .
- 2. But first would come the benediction , the words that would cut deeper than any blade .
- 3. At once there is a hush in the air , as though the street is singing a silent benediction .
- 4. At once there is a hush in the air as though the street is singing a silent benediction . Tall leafy mangroves line both sides of the road .
- 5. Although I recently delivered the benediction at the democratic national convention , I considered the act religious , not political - a blessing , not an endorsement .