bless
word
Definition
To ask God or a holy power to protect, help, or favor someone or something. It can also be used more generally to mean bringing goodness, approval, or special goodness into a situation.
Usage & Nuances
Common in religious contexts: 'God bless you', 'bless this food', 'the priest blessed the baby'. In everyday speech, 'Bless you' is also said after someone sneezes. It can sound warm, emotional, or old-fashioned in phrases like 'bless his heart'. Do not confuse it with 'praise': to 'bless' is to give or ask for divine favor, not simply to admire.
Example Sentences
The priest blessed the baby at the church.
basic
Before dinner, my grandmother blessed the food.
basic
May God bless your family.
basic
She always blesses herself before getting on a plane.
natural
When I sneezed, the man next to me said, 'Bless you.'
natural
Oh, bless you for helping me carry these boxes.
natural