blessing
- 01 B1 Intermediate
something that is extremely lucky or helpful.
a beneficial thing for which one is grateful; a source of happiness or good fortune.
Simple“Having a supportive family has been a real blessing during these difficult times.”
In context“The sudden rain was a blessing for the farmers, whose crops were beginning to wither after weeks of intense heat.”
Antonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
official permission or support for something.
a formal expression of approval or sanction for a particular course of action.
Simple“The couple asked for her parents' blessing before they got married.”
In context“The board of directors gave their blessing to the merger, provided that no staff members were made redundant in the process.”
Antonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a prayer asking for God's help or protection.
a prayer or ceremony intended to invoke divine favour or protection.
Simple“The priest gave a final blessing to the crowd at the end of the service.”
In context“Before the feast began, the eldest member of the family offered a traditional blessing to express gratitude for the harvest.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
the special name for a group of unicorns.
a collective noun specifically used for a group of unicorns.
Simple“In the storybook, a blessing of unicorns lived in the enchanted forest.”
In context“The poet employed the whimsical term 'a blessing of unicorns' to evoke a sense of ancient, mythical wonder in the opening stanza.”
UsageThis is a collective noun; it is rarely used outside of fantasy literature or wordplay.
“The lack of European football will be a temporary blessing.”
“It was financed in full by the Polish government-in-exile, with the blessing of the British and Indian governments.”