English Reference
noun · verb

bliss

n. · v.
US /ˈbɫɪs/ UK /blˈɪs/ bliss UK spelling blisses

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a state of complete and perfect happiness.

    n.a state of supreme happiness, often implying a sense of spiritual or transcendent joy.

    Simple

    Lying on the beach with a good book was pure bliss.

    In context

    For the weary hikers, the sight of the valley below was a moment of absolute bliss after three days of rain.

    Usage

    Often used with the adjective 'pure' or 'sheer' to emphasize the intensity of the feeling.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Informal

    v.to reach a state of perfect happiness, often used with 'out'.

    v.to experience a state of ecstasy or intense happiness; frequently occurs as the phrasal verb 'bliss out'.

    Simple

    I spent the whole afternoon blissing out to my favorite music.

    In context

    The yoga retreat provided a space where participants could truly bliss out and disconnect from their digital lives.

    Usage

    Usually intransitive and most common in the form 'bliss out'.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    n.a specific computer programming language used for building systems.

    n.a systems programming language developed at Carnegie Mellon University, notable for being expression-oriented rather than statement-oriented.

    Simple

    The old operating system was written in Bliss rather than C.

    In context

    While modern developers prefer C or Rust, Bliss remains a significant part of the history of systems programming on DEC hardware.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a highly specialized technical term; learners will likely only encounter it in historical computing contexts.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated