benediction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

While its most common and technical use is within Christianity (particularly Catholicism, Anglicanism, Orthodoxy), the word can be used metaphorically or in a generalised secular sense to mean a heartfelt blessing or expression of approval from any authority figure.

'Blessing' is the broader, more common term applicable to any context (e.g., 'a blessing in disguise', 'count your blessings'). 'Benediction' is a more formal, specific type of blessing, often a set prayer given by a religious leader at the end of a service. All benedictions are blessings, but not all blessings are called benedictions.

The verb 'benedict' is archaic and virtually never used in modern English. The standard verb is 'to bless'. The action is described as 'to give/pronounce/say a benediction'.

Yes, in the Roman Catholic Church and some Anglican churches, 'Benediction' (often capitalised) refers to a specific devotional service involving the exposition of the consecrated host (Eucharist) and a blessing given with it. It is a well-known liturgical practice.

The action of blessing someone.

Benediction is usually formal, literary, religious in register.

Benediction: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɛnɪˈdɪkʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɛnəˈdɪkʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.