beatific

adjective

be·​atif·​ic ˌbē-ə-ˈti-fik 

1

: of, possessing, or imparting beatitude

2

: having a blissful appearance

a beatific smile

beatifically

ˌbē-ə-ˈti-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

Beatific Has Latin Roots

Beatific—which derives from Latin beatificus, meaning "making happy"—has graced the English language as a word describing things that impart consummate bliss since the 17th century. In theology, the phrase "beatific vision" gained meaning as an allusion to the direct sight of God enjoyed by the blessed in heaven. Today, the word more frequently describes a blissful look or appearance. A closely related word is beatitude, which can refer to a state of utmost bliss or to any of the declarations made by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

Examples of beatific in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But Close gives her character a reassuring stillness and a beatific smile, which generally serve as a calming influence on Sophia. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Oct. 2024

This should be said with a beatific bridal smile — the sincerity of which Miss Manners hopes your guests will be questioning for the rest of their rude and impertinent lives. —Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024

While much of the rest of the country roasted, San Francisco last weekend appeared a beatific city lorded over by mild yet sunny cerulean skies and ideally chilly nights. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024

Boulder, like Park City, is a beatific locale in the Mountain West, of comparable size (26 square miles, versus Park City’s 20 square miles) and proximity to a major international airport (Denver International is about a 45-minute drive from Boulder, as Salt Lake International is from Park City). —Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin beātificus "making happy," from beātus "happy, fortunate" (from past participle of beāre "to make happy, gladden, bless," perhaps, if going back to *dwe-jo-, akin to bonus "good," going back to *dwe-nos) + -ficus -fic — more at bounty

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing beatific

• beatific vision

Kids Definition

beatific

adjective

be·​atif·​ic ˌbē-ə-ˈtif-ik 

: having a blissful appearance

a beatific smile