What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Anoint vs Bless - What's the difference?

anoint | bless |

As a verb anoint

is (label) to smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.

As a noun bless is

injury, wound.

anoint

English

Alternative forms

* annoint (nonstandard)

Verb

(en verb)
  • (label) To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.
  • * And fragrant oils the stiffened limbs anoint . —Dryden.
  • * He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. —John ix. 6.
  • (label) To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.
  • * Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his [Aaron's] head and anoint him. —Exod. xxix. 7.
  • * Anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. —1 Kings xix. 15.
  • to choose or nominate somebody for an leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor
  • to mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony

    • Synonyms

    * salve

    Related terms

    {{rel3, inunction , ointment , unguent , Anointing of the Sick , }}

    External links

    * * *

    Anagrams

    * *

    bless

    English

    Etymology 1

    From (etyl) blessen, from (etyl) . More at bleed.

    Verb

  • To make something blessed; to confer blessing upon.
  • To make the sign of the cross upon; to cross (oneself).
    • (Holinshed)
  • To praise, or glorify; to extol for excellences.
  • * Bible, Ps. ciii. 1
    • Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
  • To esteem or account happy; to felicitate.
  • * Bible, Jer. iv. 3
    • The nations shall bless themselves in him.
  • (obsolete) To wave; to brandish.
  • * Spenser
    • And burning blades about their heads do bless .
  • * Fairfax
    • Round his armed head his trenchant blade he blest .
  • To turn (a reference) into an object.
  • (archaic) To secure, defend, or preserve from .
  • * Shakespeare
    • Bless' me ' from marrying a usurer.
  • * Milton
    • to bless' the doors ' from nightly harm
    Antonyms
    * curse * condemn * unbless
    Related terms
    * blessed * blessing

    Etymology 2

    An ellipsis for an expression such as .

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • (UK, informal)
  • * 1998 , "Peter Coffey", New Alternative View Of Atomic Structure'' (on Internet newsgroup ''sci.chem )
    • Ah bless ! You must be the welcoming committee for anyone who dares express ignorance.
  • * 2000 , "Hellraiser" (on Internet newsgroup uk.people.teens )
    • oh bless . *hug* that is not true. nobody here bears a grudge against 13 year old dear or against you.
  • * 2001 , "Will", Am I still here?'' (on Internet newsgroup ''uk.religion.pagan )
    • Aw bless ... have white chocolate fudge muffin....a new batch.... made them last night after Nigella....

    Anagrams

    * ----