benediction
noun
Gertrude DiamantTime
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In benediction, the bene root is joined by another Latin root, dictio, "speaking", so the word's meaning becomes something like "well-wishing". Perhaps the best-known benediction is the so-called Aaronic Benediction from the Bible, which begins, "May the Lord bless you and keep you". An important section of the Catholic Mass was traditionally known as the Benedictus, after its first word (meaning "blessed"). It was St. Benedict who organized the first Christian monasteries; many Christians have been baptized Benedict in his honor, and 16 popes have taken it as their papal name.
Examples of benediction in a Sentence
Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024
The Hierophant’s right hand is raised in benediction, two fingers pointing to the sky (heaven) and two fingers pointing down (hell).
—Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 18 July 2024
The beauty is no justification, but a solace, a benediction.
—Alison Osius, Outside Online, 1 July 2024
As if Stewart had somehow intervened from heaven — or would have ever given him a benediction.
—Sally Jenkins, Washington Post, 17 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for benediction 
Dictionary Entries Near benediction
Cite this Entry
“Benediction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benediction. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
benediction
noun
Middle English benediccioun "an expression of blessing or good wishes," from Latin benediction-, benedictio (same meaning), from benedicere "to bless," from earlier bene dicere "to praise, speak well," from bene "well" and dicere "to say" — related to dictate
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