manna
C1/C2Literary, formal, journalistic, religious
Definition
Meaning
An unexpected and beneficial source of aid, sustenance, or relief, often seen as a godsend.
Originally, the miraculous food provided by God for the Israelites in the desert (Exodus). Figuratively, any unexpected, free, and welcome benefit or resource.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always singular and uncountable. Strongly figurative in modern use, carrying connotations of divine/miraculous provision, unexpected bounty, and relief from want. Used more in writing than in casual speech.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally understood in its literal/biblical and figurative senses in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of providential, unexpected benefit.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, found in similar contexts (e.g., journalism, literature, religious discourse).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] manna for/to [someone/something][something] is/was (like) manna (from heaven)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “manna from heaven”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May be used in financial journalism to describe an unexpected market gain or subsidy. 'The tax break was manna from heaven for the struggling sector.'
Academic
Rare outside of theological or historical studies. Used in its original biblical context or as a literary metaphor.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might be used for humorous or dramatic effect to describe unexpected good fortune.
Technical
Not used in scientific/technical contexts. Specific to humanities, theology, and figurative language.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The food parcel was like manna to the hungry family.
- The unexpected donation was manna from heaven for the charity, allowing it to continue its vital work.
- For the drought-stricken farmers, the forecast of steady rain was nothing less than manna from the skies.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a manager (sounds like 'manna') who unexpectedly gives everyone a bonus – it's like manna from heaven!
Conceptual Metaphor
GOOD FORTUNATE EVENTS ARE DIVINE NOURISHMENT / AN UNEXPECTED BENEFIT IS MIRACULOUS FOOD.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'мана' (delusion, mirage). The biblical 'manna' is translated as 'манна' (manna) in Russian, but the figurative use is less common. Avoid direct translation for 'unexpected help' in casual contexts; use 'неожиданная помощь' or 'подарок судьбы' instead.
Common Mistakes
- Treating it as a plural (*mannas).
- Using it for any ordinary benefit (lacks the connotation of miraculous/desperately needed relief).
- Misspelling as *mana (which is a Polynesian spiritual concept).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'manna' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is primarily used in literary, journalistic, or religious contexts for dramatic or figurative effect, not in everyday conversation.
No, 'manna' is an uncountable noun. You cannot have 'mannas'.
They are completely different words. 'Manna' is the biblical/fiigurative term for a godsend. 'Mana' is a term from Polynesian culture referring to spiritual power or authority.
The standard, idiomatic phrase is 'manna from heaven'. While 'from the skies' is sometimes used poetically, 'from heaven' is the fixed collocation you should learn.