blessed

American  

[bles-id, blest] / ˈblɛs ɪd, blɛst /

adjective

1. Sometimes Blessed consecrated; sacred; holy; sanctified.

   the blessed bond of matrimony.

2. Sometimes Blessed worthy of adoration, reverence, or worship.

   Buddha, the Blessed One.

3. divinely or happily favored; fortunate to have, do, or experience something: often used in a lighthearted way or to avoid sounding boastful.

   We’ve been blessed with excellent health.

   You’re blessed to have such a supportive family.

   Look at the great handbag I found online for next to nothing—I’m so blessed!

4. blissfully happy or contented.

5. Roman Catholic Church. beatified.

6. bringing happiness and thankfulness.

   How exciting that you’re expecting—when is the blessed event supposed to happen?

   The steady income gave them a blessed sense of security.

7. Informal. damned.

   I'm blessed if I know.

8. Informal. (used as an intensifier).

   That lawyer was worth every blessed cent we paid him.

---

noun

1. the blessed, those who have died and are believed to be experiencing happiness or bliss in heaven.

   Our beloved sister is now among the blessed.

verb

1. a simple past tense and past participle of bless.

blessed British  

/ blɛst, ˈblɛsɪd /

adjective

1. made holy by religious ceremony; consecrated

2. worthy of deep reverence or respect

3. RC Church (of a person) beatified by the pope

4. characterized by happiness or good fortune

   a blessed time

5. bringing great happiness or good fortune

6. a euphemistic word for damned

   I'm blessed if I know

---

noun

1. Christianity the dead who are already enjoying heavenly bliss

Other Word Forms

• blessedly adverb
• blessedness noun
• superblessed adjective
• superblessedness noun
• well-blessed adjective

Etymology

Origin of blessed

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English; bless + -ed ²

Explanation

If you say you've been blessed, you feel lucky to have something: health, love, fame, fortune, talent, etc. I'm very happy for you; the only time I feel blessed is when I sneeze. You can pronounce blessed as one syllable (“blest”) or as two (“bless-id”). The phrase “blessed event” is an old-fashioned way of referring to a baby's birth. If you've been blessed with musical talent, you might pick up the piano quickly. If you've been blessed with physical strength, you should still pick up the piano carefully.

Example Sentences

It comes after a temporary measure introduced in 2021 meant same-sex couples could have their marriage or civil partnership blessed in a church ceremony.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Aboard the papal plane on Monday, Leo told reporters: "The Gospel says... blessed are the peacemakers."

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

"He was huge. We were blessed to have Rambo and Bale together," says Ledley.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

“While our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the life he lived and for the unforgettable moments we were blessed to share with him,” the family said in its statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

The Lord has truly blessed us today, amen.

From "A Step from Heaven" by An Na