Words / C1

di-VYN/dɪˈvaɪn/

Divine means relating to a god, or (literary) extremely good: divine law, a divine voice. Holy is a cousin; heavenly is looser; mortal sits opposite. The verb to divine (guess as if by magic) is rarer. A “divine” venue shot does not replace a certificate.

Meaning

Relating to a god; also (literary) extremely good.

Examples

• “A “divine” venue photograph does not replace a fire certificate.”
• “Holy is a cousin. Godly is older. Excellent is the everyday of the literary sense. Photography is comms. Occupancy law is the building. File the certificate; keep divine for the chapel, or for a joke after the door works.”

Good to know

Of a god; also (literary) excellent. Close: holy. Everyday of the praise sense: excellent. A photo ≠ a certificate.

Near in meaning

holy

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