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.

Dedicate vs Bless - What's the difference?

dedicate | bless |

In obsolete terms the difference between dedicate and bless

is that dedicate is dedicated; set apart; devoted; consecrated while bless is to wave; to brandish.

As an adjective dedicate

is dedicated; set apart; devoted; consecrated.

As an interjection bless is

Used as an expression of endearment, or (ironically) belittlement.

dedicate

English

Verb

(dedicat)
  • To set apart for a deity or for religious purposes; consecrate.
  • To set apart for a special use
  • dedicated their money to scientific research.
  • To commit (oneself) to a particular course of thought or action
  • dedicated ourselves to starting our own business. See Synonyms at devote.
  • To address or inscribe (a literary work, for example) to another as a mark of respect or affection.
  • To open (a building, for example) to public use.
  • To show to the public for the first time
  • dedicate a monument.

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) Dedicated; set apart; devoted; consecrated.
  • * Shakespeare
  • Dedicate to nothing temporal.
  • * (George Henry Calvert)
  • His life is dedicate to worthiness.
    ----

    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

    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

    * ----