1 benison | Definition of benison

benison

noun
ben·​i·​son | \ ˈbe-nÉ™-sÉ™n How to pronounce benison (audio) , -zÉ™n\

Definition of benison

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Synonyms & Antonyms for benison

Synonyms

benediction, blessing

Antonyms

anathema, curse, execration, imprecation, malediction

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Benison and its synonym "benediction" share more than a common meaning; the two words come from the same root, the Latin benedicere, meaning "to bless." ("Benedicere" comes from the Latin bene dicere - "to speak well of" - a combination of the Latin bene, meaning "well," and "dicere," to say.) Of the two words, "benediction" is more common today, but "benison" has a longer history in English. Records show that "benison" has been used in our language since the 14th century. "Benediction" didn't appear in print until nearly a century later.

Examples of benison in a Sentence

during the harbor festival the parish priest offered a benison for the local fishermen

First Known Use of benison

13th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for benison

Middle English beneson, from Anglo-French beneiçon, from Late Latin benediction-, benedictio

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with benison

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