Word
heavens
Phoneticsheav·ens, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhɛvənz/
UK/hˈɛvənz/
Definitions
01the sky and space
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Literary
n. the sky, especially when you are looking at the sun, moon, and stars.
n. the celestial sphere or the expanse of space visible from Earth. Usually plural and often carries a poetic or scientific-historical tone.
“The astronomer spent the night gazing up at the heavens through his telescope.”
“Ancient navigators relied on the movement of the heavens to guide their ships across the open ocean before the invention of modern tools.”
02the home of God
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Religion Formal · Literary
n. the place where God or the gods are believed to live.
n. the dwelling place of the divine or the blessed dead in religious contexts. Plural form of 'heaven' used for emphasis or formal register.
“In many old stories, the gods looked down from the heavens to watch over humans.”
“The cathedral's ceiling was painted with a vibrant mural depicting the opening of the heavens and the descent of angels.”
Antonyms
03expression of surprise
B2 · Upper Intermediate British English · Informal
interj. a polite way to show you are surprised, shocked, or annoyed.
interj. a mild exclamatory formula used to express surprise, frustration, or emphasis. Often appears in phrases like 'Good heavens' or 'Heavens above'.
“Good heavens, I didn't expect to see you here so early.”
“Heavens, I had no idea that the project would require such a significant financial investment.”
Usage
Usually appears in the plural form ('the heavens') when referring to the sky or space; often capitalised when referring specifically to a religious paradise.
Real-World Examples
“Thank heavens there are some decaffeinated beans in the cupboard.” “As Manchester United 's home game with Ipswich Town drew to its conclusion, the skies went dark grey and the heavens opened.” Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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