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godsend

godsend

28 4.9
Something very helpful that you did not expect when you needed it
  • noun
  • /ˈɡɑːdˌsɛnd/
translation icon : bendición
  • Each visit was a godsend, a tiny respite from routine.

And then on the opposite side, Starlink, which has been a godsend for Ukrainian forces.

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Examples

  • Technology has become a godsend to dyslexic readers.

  • The business had been a godsend in ways other than financial.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • It's such a godsend, too.

  • That will be a godsend, doctor.

  • You truly are a godsend.

  • It's a godsend for a kid like Jon; it keeps him out of trouble.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The portable grill is often a godsend for a lot of hikers or campers.

    Blog text (26)
  • The proliferation of low-cost air carriers, then, has been a godsend for most travelers.

    Blog text (9)
  • For this reason, our brand-new American citizenship was hailed as a godsend, and a first-class celebration was in order.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • Online shopping can be a godsend for those who dislike visiting crowded stores.

Synonyms

good luck
vsgodsend
547 1.0

A fortunate event that happens by chance

narrows this to unusually timely and highly beneficial occurrences
windfall
vsgodsend
35 5.1

A large amount of money that you get unexpectedly

is broader, applying to timely help or opportunities not limited to money
bonanza
vsgodsend
25 7.1

A time that brings a large unexpected amount of money or success

is more focused on being timely help rather than sheer size of gain
gravy
vsgodsend
  • Informal
18 7.3

An unexpected extra benefit or profit

implies a much greater, perfectly timed benefit that solves a big need
lucky break
vsgodsend
  • Informal
13 3.2

A sudden chance that helps you succeed

stresses perfect timing and exceptional helpfulness beyond ordinary luck
stroke of luck
vsgodsend
8 3.2

A sudden lucky event that brings good results

focuses more on arriving at the right time and being extremely helpful
manna from heaven
vsgodsend
  • Informal
2 7.5

A sudden helpful gift when you need it most

is similar but less tied to miraculous or religious connotations
gift from above
vsgodsend
  • Informal
1 4.2

An unexpected good thing that feels like it comes from above

highlights a perfectly timed, extremely helpful occurrence rather than divine origin
happy chance
vsgodsend
3.9

A lucky unexpected event that brings something good

emphasizes critical timing and larger helpful impact rather than mere chance
bunce
vsgodsend
  • Archaic
9.9

A sudden unexpected gain of money from luck

covers timely, helpful events beyond just monetary benefit

Antonyms

75 3.7

A bad event that causes trouble

To make someone or something less able to succeed than others

How Helpful

miracle
4.4
godsend
28 4.9
blessing
269 1.4
boon
38 4.4
help
356 1.0

Surface Forms

godsend singular
godsends plural

Morphology

godsend = god + send (transparent) = god + send

The compound is directly analysable as 'god' + 'send' meaning 'something sent by God', so learners can infer 'a blessing' or fortuitous help from the components.

Etymology

Godsend comes from the old phrase God + send, which meant a 'gift sent by God' or a wish that God would 'send' help. The part send is the same simple English word 'to send'. So a godsend is an unexpected, very helpful thing.