Word
manna
Phoneticsman·na, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmænə/
UK/mˈænɐ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a special food that fell from the sky to help people survive. In a modern way, it can also mean something that is very helpful or arrives just when you need it.
n. a miraculous food substance that fell from the sky to sustain the Israelites during their forty-year journey in the wilderness. In a secular context, it refers to any unexpected or highly beneficial resource or event.
Examples
“The rain was a manna for the thirsty travelers.”
“After weeks of searching for a job, the sudden offer felt like a manna from heaven.”
“The discovery of the underground aquifer was a literal manna for the arid region, transforming a barren landscape into a thriving agricultural hub within a single decade.”
Examples
simple
“The rain was a manna for the thirsty travelers.”
contextual
“After weeks of searching for a job, the sudden offer felt like a manna from heaven.”
complex
“The discovery of the underground aquifer was a literal manna for the arid region, transforming a barren landscape into a thriving agricultural hub within a single decade.”
Real-World Examples
“Local communities often look at greenfield nuclear projects like manna.” Etymology
From Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin manna, from Ancient Greek μάννα (mánna), from Hebrew מן (mān, “'manna”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/manna