divine

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "divine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is very beautiful, good, or holy. Example sentence: The sunset was so divine that I couldn't help but stand in awe.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm aware this was a boringly predictable location in which to feel the spine-shiver of something beyond words (transcendent? divine?).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, Abdullah was perhaps the first Saudi ruler to seek a new legitimacy, this time emanating from serving the people rather than simply applying divine law.

The Guardian

In conversation, the traditionalists appear to be hoping for a divine and dramatic intervention.

The Guardian

"There is however no reason to conclude that [Sutcliffe's] claim that he genuinely believed that he was acting under divine instructions to fulfill God's will carries any greater conviction now than it did when it was rejected by the jury," said Lord Judge.

The Guardian

The man himself paid little attention to all that, reading few of the countless analyses that sought to divine the ceremony's true meaning.

The Guardian - Film

"The bigger tribes feel they have the divine right to rule others in Nigeria.

The Guardian

Hill of Doors (Picador) is a companion piece to his superb The Wrecking Light (2010): it portrays human conciousness caught between animal impulse and divine aspiration, trapped in a thuggishly material world that is oblivious to higher concerns.

The Guardian - Books

Although he gave no names, many of the 18 were easy enough to divine; no shabby bleep test result could ever deny Gigi Buffon or Andrea Pirlo their place on the plane to Brazil.

The Guardian - Sport

Success on the battlefield was a signal of divine favour to govern, and martial valour was a vital accompaniment to monarchical power.

The Guardian

From the way I tried to divine the contents of the books purely from their physical appearances, with no sense of authors or titles, I would guess that I had read little or nothing before then.

The Guardian - Books

"The big bang, which is today posited as the origin of the world, does not contradict the divine act of creation; rather, it requires it," the pope said in an address to a meeting at the pontifical academy of sciences.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "divine" to describe something that is exceptionally beautiful, good, or spiritual. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the elevated and often religious connotations of the word.

Common error

Avoid using "divine" casually to describe ordinary things. Overusing the word can diminish its impact and make your writing sound affected or insincere. Reserve it for truly exceptional or spiritually significant subjects.

Linguistic Context

The word "divine" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a connection to a god or something of exceptional quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and accepted in various contexts. Examples show it describing both religious concepts and aesthetic beauty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divine" is a versatile adjective used to denote a connection to the sacred or to describe something exceptionally beautiful or good. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, formal, and scientific contexts. While "divine" can enhance writing by adding depth and reverence, it's essential to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in casual contexts. Considering alternatives like "heavenly" or "sacred" can offer more nuanced expressions depending on the intended meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively leverage the power of "divine" to enrich their prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavenly

Similar in meaning, emphasizes the connection to the heavens or a higher power, but is slightly less formal.

godlike

Focuses on resembling a god in power or attributes, implying a level of superiority or perfection.

sacred

Highlights the holy or consecrated nature of something, often in a religious or spiritual context.

hallowed

Emphasizes reverence and respect, suggesting something is deeply honored and sanctified.

inspired

Suggests influence by a divine power or a source of great creativity and insight.

superhuman

Implies exceeding normal human capabilities or qualities, often used in the context of extraordinary achievements.

transcendent

Focuses on surpassing ordinary limits or experiences, suggesting a state of being beyond the material world.

celestial

Relates to the sky or heavens, suggesting a connection to the cosmos or the divine realm.

exalted

Highlights a state of high rank, honor, or dignity, implying a position of great esteem.

providential

Suggests that something is happening due to divine intervention or foresight.

FAQs

How can I use "divine" in a sentence?

You can use "divine" to describe something related to a god, or something exceptionally good or beautiful. For example, "The sunset was a "divine" spectacle" or "She believed she was acting under "divine" instructions."

What are some words similar to "divine"?

Alternatives to "divine" include "heavenly", "godlike", "sacred", and "inspired". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "divine" in a formal context?

Yes, "divine" can be used in formal contexts, especially when discussing religious, spiritual, or exceptionally beautiful subjects. However, avoid using it casually or hyperbolically, as this can detract from the formality.

What is the difference between "divine" and "divinity"?

"Divine" is an adjective describing something related to a god or of exceptional quality. "Divinity" is a noun referring to the state of being divine or a divine being. For example, "The painting had a "divine" quality" versus "They studied "divinity" at the seminary".