English Reference
adjective · verb · noun

divine

adj. · v. · n.
US /dɪˈvaɪn/ UK /dɪvˈaɪn/ di·vine UK spelling divines

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

    adj.connected to or coming from God or a god.

    adj.relating to, proceeding from, or being a deity.

    Simple

    Many ancient cultures believed their kings had a divine right to rule.

    In context

    The philosopher argued that the beauty of the natural world was evidence of a divine creator.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    adj.extremely good, pleasant, or beautiful.

    adj.of superhuman or surpassing excellence; used as a superlative for aesthetic or sensory pleasure.

    Simple

    The chocolate cake we had for dessert was absolutely divine.

    In context

    The soprano gave a divine performance that left the entire audience in stunned silence for several moments after the final note.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Literary

    v.to find out or guess something that is hidden or not obvious.

    v.to discover or perceive something by intuition or insight rather than by direct evidence.

    Simple

    I managed to divine her true feelings despite her polite smile.

    In context

    Experienced investors often try to divine the future of the market by looking at subtle shifts in consumer confidence.

    deducediscernsurmise
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical

    v.to look for water or minerals underground using a special stick.

    v.to search for underground water or minerals by means of a dowsing rod.

    Simple

    The farmer hired a man to divine for water before digging the new well.

    In context

    Although scientists remain sceptical, many rural communities still rely on specialists who claim to divine water using hazel branches.

    dowse
  5. 05 C2 Proficiency ArchaicFormal Religion

    n.a person who studies religion or works as a priest.

    n.a person skilled in divinity or theology; a member of the clergy.

    Simple

    The old library contained many books written by famous seventeenth-century divines.

    In context

    The council consisted of several learned divines who were tasked with interpreting the new religious statutes.

    layperson

Many churches believe God has a divine plan for the end of everything.

BBC News· 3 Sept 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated