Key Difference – Bliss vs Bless
When we look at the letters of the words bliss and bless, the difference between them is the vowel ‘i’ and ‘e’ that we easily notice. This results in the difference in pronunciation of the two words. However, if observe the definitions or else the meanings of bliss and bless many other contrasts can be identified as well. The objective of this article is to clarify this difference in meaning between bliss and bless. Simply, the key difference is that while bliss refers to an extreme happiness, bless refers to making something holy. It is important to highlight that bliss is a noun unlike bless which is a verb. First, let us examine the word bliss.
What is Bliss?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Bliss refers to perfect happiness. This is a state where an individual experiences a serene joy. It also suggests that the person is not disturbed by different social and environmental factors and is able to bask in extreme joy. Here are some examples that highlight the usage of the word.
The solitary life that he led brought him sheer bliss.
It was bliss to enjoy a few days away from the tormenting realities of life.
Giving up on all that pained her was bliss.
Notice how the term bliss has been used in each sentence. From all the examples, it is apparent that the word bliss functions as a noun that highlights an idea of pure joy. For instance, let us take the third example. The individual achieves a state of pure happiness as she lets go of all the things that bring sorrow.
The word bliss is also used in religious contexts to speak of leading a blissful life. Here it is highlighted that if a person wishes to be happy, he should live a simple life full of faith, gratitude, honesty, humility, compassion and harmony. If a person can live in such a way, he can find bliss in life.
The solitary life that he led brought him sheer bliss.
What is Bless?
Now let us move on to the second word. The word bless is a verb. This can be used in many instances.
Make holy
The monk blessed the water for the villagers to drink.
Call on God to favor
May God bless you!
The priest blessed the sick and the wounded.
Be fortunate in having
They were blessed with true wisdom.
She was blessed with two sons.
Other than these, when a person makes the sign of the cross, this is also known as blessing oneself. As you can observe, the words bliss and bless are very different from one another as the word bless is particularly used in religious contexts, unlike the word bliss.
What is the difference between Bliss and Bless?
Definitions of Bliss and Bless:
Bliss: Bliss refers to perfect happiness.
Bless: Bless can refer to making something holy, to call on God to favor or to be fortunate in having something.
Characteristics of Bliss and Bless:
Parts of Speech:
Bliss: Bliss is a noun.
Bless: Bless is a verb.
Adjective:
Bliss: Blissful is the adjective of bliss.
Bless: Blessed is the adjective of bless.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Cottage Duck Island London” by Kunstlerbob (Robert Bauer) [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Commons
2. “Cross being thrown at Theophany” by Maggas at en.wikipedia. [CC BY 3.0] via Commons
