Blessings

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈblɛs.ɪŋz/

Definitions

1. A favorable benefit or gift has been bestowed upon someone, an expression of gratitude or good wishes directed at a person or entity, and a positive circumstance or divine gift that fosters happiness and peace
2. A kind favor or advantageous occurrence has been provided, a sign of appreciation or goodwill conveyed toward an individual or situation, and a sacred offering or beneficial event that encourages joy and tranquility
3. Something good or helpful given to someone ; a kind word or approval expressed to others ; a fortunate event considered to be from a higher power

Etymology: "Blessings" is simply the plural of "blessing," so its story is really the story of the noun it pluralises. That noun comes from Old English "blētsung" or "blēdsung," meaning a consecration or blessing, built from the verb "bless" and the suffix "-ing," which turns a verb into a noun for the action or its result. The Old English verb "blētsian" was itself rooted in "blōd," meaning blood, since early pagan and then Christian rites sprinkled or marked objects with blood or holy water to set them apart as sacred. Over the Middle English period, "blessinge" and "blessynge" carried the sense into English as a religious act, the pronouncing of divine favour. The plural "blessings" then came to mean the many good things that such favour brings, so that a person might count their blessings in the everyday, non-religious sense of good fortune or gifts received.

Synonyms: benefits, favors, graces, gifts, good fortunes

Antonyms: curses, miseries, troubles, woes, misfortunes