Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To declare (a deceased person) blessed; the first step toward canonization in the Catholic Church: This is the formal ecclesiastical meaning, where the Pope officially recognizes that a person lived a holy life and is now in Heaven, permitting public veneration.
   • To make supremely happy or blissful: This is a more general, often literary, meaning describing the act of filling someone with intense joy or a state of exalted happiness.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (Ecclesiastical):

  • The Pope will beatify the 19th-century nun next month.
  • After a miracle was attributed to her, the process to beatify her began.

• Verb (General):

  • The news of his safe return beatified his anxious family.
  • Her smile could beatify even the gloomiest of days.

Advanced Usage

• "To be beatified": The passive form is commonly used, especially in the religious context.
  • The founder of the order was beatified in 2005.
• "Beatifying": Used as a present participle or gerund.
  • The beatifying ceremony was attended by thousands. (religious)
  • He had a beatifying effect on everyone he met. (general, literary)

Variants and Related Words

• Beatification (noun): The act of beatifying or the state of being beatified.
  • The beatification is a major event for the local diocese.
• Beatific (adjective): Showing or producing great joy, peace, or blessedness.
  • She had a beatific smile on her face.

Synonyms

• Canonize (verb): To declare (a deceased person) a saint. (Note: Canonization is the final step, following beatification.)
• Exalt (verb): To raise in rank, power, or character; to elevate by praise.
• Elate (verb): To make very happy or proud.
• Thrill (verb): To cause a sudden wave of keen emotion or excitement.

Antonyms

• Condemn (verb): To express complete disapproval.
• Damn (verb): To condemn, especially by divine punishment.
• Sadden (verb): To make sad.
• Depress (verb): To make sad or dispirited.

Notes on Meaning

The word beatify has two distinct meanings. The primary and most specific meaning is religious, pertaining to a formal step in the Catholic process of sainthood. The secondary meaning is more general and literary, relating to a state of extreme happiness. The connection between the two lies in the concept of bestowing a state of blessedness or supreme bliss.

Verb

1. declare (a dead person) to be blessed; the first step of achieving sainthood
   • On Sunday, the martyr will be beatified by the Vatican
2. make blessedly happy
3. fill with sublime emotion
   • The children were thrilled at the prospect of going to the movies
   • He was inebriated by his phenomenal success