Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “benediction” come from?

Benediction comes from Ecclesiastical Latin benedictio, derived from Latin bene meaning "well" combined with the Latin -tio suffix forming abstract nouns.

benediction (English): A short invocation for help, blessing and...

Definitions

  1. A short invocation for help, blessing and...

Ancestry of “benediction”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle Englishbenediccion—
2Ecclesiastical Latinbenedictioblessing; benediction; extolling, praising,...
3LatinBenedictusBenedict
4Latinbenedīcō—
5Latindīcō—
6Latin-tiō—
7Latindissertātiō—
8Latindissertusarranged, disposed; explained
9Latindissereresecond-person singular future passive indicative...
10Latindis-asunder, apart, in two; reversal, removal;...
11Latincalceusshoe
12Latincalxlimestone; chalk; the finish line
13Ancient Greekχάλιξsmall stone, pebble; gravel, rubble

Words derived from “benediction”

  • benedictional
  • benedictionary
Every word from Ancient Greek χάλιξ →