was divined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was divined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that was discovered or revealed through intuition, insight, or supernatural means. Example: "The answer to the riddle was divined by the wise old sage after much contemplation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Cohen is deliberate on this point; Holcomb wasn't rediscovered, like some of those other players, he was divined, realized.

The New Yorker

It is no stretch to call her the Callas of the popular song, and it was divined that she should play La Divina in "Master Class" on Broadway.

The New York Times

A constitutional right of privacy was divined only later, beginning with the theories of Louis D. Brandeis, who became a Supreme Court justice, and was drawn from "penumbral" rights of freedom of speech and the feeling of security in one's home, he said.

The New York Times

No, that's not because societies stumbled into hangover-induced dormancy once alcohol was divined from the gods.

Huffington Post

As the first ghost had seemingly vanished, this charge against Kent that he murdered Elizabeth was never acted on, but through repeated questioning of Fanny's ghost it was divined that she had died not from the effects of smallpox, but rather from arsenic poisoning.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Jamba Juice was divine.

The New Yorker

But finally, it was divine.

The New York Times - Food

His hair unwashed was divine.

The New Yorker

That was divine batting.

The Guardian - Sport

It was divine".

The New York Times - Sports

"There was divine intervention.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was divined" when you want to emphasize a sense of intuitive discovery or revelation, particularly in contexts where a supernatural or insightful element is present.

Common error

Avoid using "was divined" in everyday situations where a simpler word like "discovered" or "understood" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a connotation of profound insight and is best reserved for contexts where this is genuinely relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was divined" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence had something revealed to it, often through non-empirical means. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. The examples show it used to describe the discovery of insights or truths.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

17%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was divined" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to convey that something has been discovered or understood through intuition, insight, or a means beyond ordinary perception. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase "was divined" is usable in written English.

While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare, leaning towards formal or literary contexts, as it appears mostly in News & Media. When writing, reserve the use of "was divined" for situations where you wish to emphasize the insightful or revelatory aspect of the discovery. Alternatives such as "was revealed" or "was discovered" may be more appropriate in less profound contexts. This nuanced approach ensures that the phrase's impact is preserved and its meaning remains potent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was discerned

Emphasizes a careful and thoughtful observation or judgment.

was discovered

Focuses on the act of finding something previously unknown or hidden.

was revealed

Highlights the unveiling or disclosure of something previously secret or obscure.

was ascertained

Indicates the establishment of something as true or certain through investigation.

was understood

Stresses the comprehension or grasping of a concept or situation.

was intuited

Implies understanding through instinct or feeling rather than conscious reasoning.

was fathomed

Suggests a deep understanding or exploration of a complex subject.

was prophesied

Refers to a prediction made through divine inspiration or foresight.

was magically found

Emphasizes discovery through supernatural or unexplained means.

was divinely inspired

Highlights the influence of a higher power or divine source on the discovery or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "was divined" in a sentence?

The phrase "was divined" is used to indicate that something was discovered or understood through intuition, insight, or a seemingly supernatural means. For example: "The location of the treasure "was divined" by the ancient map."

What are some alternatives to "was divined"?

You can use alternatives like "was discerned", "was revealed", or "was discovered" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "was divined" instead of "was discovered"?

"Was divined" implies a more insightful or intuitive process of discovery, often with a hint of the supernatural or unexplained. "Was discovered" is a more general term for finding something that was previously unknown. Use "was divined" when you want to emphasize the intuitive or revelatory aspect of the discovery.

Is "was divined" a formal or informal expression?

"Was divined" leans towards a more formal or literary register. While not strictly informal, it's less common in everyday conversation and more suited to written contexts where a sense of profound insight or revelation is being conveyed.