heavens
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. The sky, especially when regarded as a celestial sphere: The word "heavens" (often used with 'the') refers to the expanse of space that appears like a dome over the Earth, where celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars are visible. It is often used in a poetic, literary, or exclamatory context. 2. An exclamation of surprise, emphasis, or dismay: Used in expressions like "Good heavens!" or "Heavens above!" to convey strong emotion.
Usage Examples
- As the celestial sphere:
- The astronomer scanned the heavens for the new comet.
- At night, the heavens were filled with countless stars.
- As an exclamation:
- Good heavens! Is that the time? I'm late!
- Heavens above, that was a loud noise!
Advanced Usage
- "The heavens opened": This is an idiomatic expression meaning it began to rain very heavily.
- We were halfway through the picnic when the heavens opened.
Variants and Related Words
- Heaven (noun): Often used in a religious context to mean the abode of God and the angels, or a state of supreme happiness. It can also be used informally to mean a wonderful place or experience (e.g., "This beach is heaven.").
- Heavenly (adjective): Pertaining to the heavens or sky (e.g., ); or meaning delightful, wonderful (e.g., ).
Synonyms
- Firmament: (Literary) The heavens or sky.
- Sky: The region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the Earth.
- The blue: (Informal/poetic) The sky.
- (Good) grief!: An exclamation similar to "Good heavens!"
Related Idioms
- "In seventh heaven": To be extremely happy.
- She was in seventh heaven after winning the award.
- "Move heaven and earth": To do everything possible to achieve something.
- He promised to move heaven and earth to find a solution.
Noun
- the apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected