Have you ever wondered about the difference between divine and devine? The spelling might seem tricky, but the answer is simple. The proper form is divine, which is relating to a god or goddess. It can also describe something excellent or truly delightful. However, the term devine is an incorrect word, often a common mistake in writing.
The usage of these terms has been established over time, and understanding their meaning helps avoid confusion. If you’re ever unsure, take a deeper look, dive into language rules, and remember that both words exist, but only one is correct. So, coming across this mistake now should be easy to fix!
Divine or Devine: Which one is correct
The word divine means something beyond human limits, often coming from gods or a goddess. It can also describe something pleasing, delightful, or excellent like food that is truly satisfying. Devine is an incorrect misspelling in the English language and should not be used. If you want to be correct, always use “divine,” as it is the proper term that has been frequent in writing and speech.
Divine and Devine: Key Differences
- Divine is a correct spelling, while devine is a misspelling of divine.
- Divine refers to something related to a god, goddess, or deity, whereas devine has no specific meaning.
- The word divine can describe spiritual or supernatural qualities, but devine is confusing and doesn’t convey any meaning.
- Divine is often associated with holiness, worship, and the heavens, while devine lacks any such association.
- When we speak of something being heavenly or godlike, we use divine, not devine.
- The essence of divine is considered blessed and sacred, whereas devine does not carry these qualities.
- Divine can be used in religious contexts, like praying for divine intervention, but devine is not recognized in this way.
- Divine is capitalized in religious texts to signify something sacred or of great importance, but devine is not.
- The term divine is used to describe something supreme or ideal, but devine is simply an incorrect spelling.
- Divine has supernatural powers or qualities, while devine lacks any supernatural or spiritual significance.
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Understanding the term “Divine”
Divine refers to something that is deeply connected to god or the sacred. It is a term that describes the superior nature of deity or the divine will of a god. Many believe that divine represents the eternal qualities that govern life, wisdom, and strength. It can also be about spiritual power or insight, especially in religious practices where divine intervention is sought for guidance.
Whether it’s divine love, divine service, or simply the divine essence, it is seen as a connection to something greater than the human experience, transcending the ordinary into the extraordinary.
For instance, in monotheistic beliefs, godlike characteristics such as divine power and divine grace play key roles in shaping the world. Some people try to foretell the future, using their perceptive and intuitive abilities to understand hidden truths. These truths are often seen as divinely inspired, and the ability to divine the future or gain knowledge through intuition is considered a divine gift.
Divine wisdom is also crucial in making judgments, guiding those who seek spiritual answers. Divine qualities are revered, as they represent the heavenly essence of what is perfect and beyond human capability.
In daily life, divine intervention can be experienced as moments of clarity or understanding, when things seem to fall into place. The divine ruler, whether a king or spiritual leader, is believed to have access to this higher guidance and strength.
Ultimately, to live in accordance with the divine means to be in harmony with the supernatural forces that shape the world, embracing the sacred and the glorious path laid before us.
Examples of Divine in a Sentence
- The divine intervention of the gods saved the city from destruction.
- The chef prepared a divine meal that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
- The divine beauty of the sunset took my breath away.
- Divine grace is said to bring peace and comfort to the troubled soul.
- She felt a divine connection to the natural world around her.
- The king was considered to have a divine right to rule the land.
- The goddess was believed to grant divine wisdom to her followers.
- The priest spoke of divine forgiveness during the service.
- The moonlight cast a divine glow over the quiet garden.
- He believed that the universe was created by a divine being.
- Her divine voice could move people to tears with its beauty.
- The prayer was a request for divine guidance and strength.
- The temple was a sacred place of divine worship.
- Their divine love for one another seemed endless and pure.
- The divine power of the gods is something many seek to understand.
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Divine Idioms & Phrases
When we talk about the word divine, we often think of something higher, beyond our understanding, or linked to a higher power. There are several idioms and phrases that capture this idea, all showing different sides of what divine means in life.
- Divine intervention – This refers to a miraculous event where it seems like a higher power steps in to change the course of something. It’s when something unexpected happens to save or protect us, like a blessing from god.
- To err is human; to forgive, divine – A popular saying that tells us it’s natural for people to make mistakes, but forgiving others is the divine part. It shows the human trait of making errors and the divine act of offering forgiveness.
- Divine right – This phrase is often used to explain the idea that rulers or kings have the authority to rule because their power comes directly from god. It means that their status is justified and is not questioned by humans.
- Divine spark – This represents the inner divinity in all of us. It’s that moment when you feel inspired or motivated, like a creative insight that comes from a higher spiritual source. It’s that divine touch that makes us all unique.
- Divine timing – This phrase refers to the belief that everything happens at the right moment, according to a divine plan. It teaches us to trust in the universe and know that delays or unexpected events may be part of a greater purpose.
- Divine law – These are the laws or rules believed to be given by a higher power. They guide human actions and are said to be unbreakable. Following divine law is seen as a noble and righteous way of living.
- Divine love – This is unconditional love, often considered the most perfect and enduring kind of love. It’s eternal and doesn’t ask for anything in return, just like god’s love for humanity.
- Divine presence – Sometimes, people speak of feeling the presence of a divine being during moments of peace or worship. This is often described as a sensory experience where one feels that something greater is near.
- Divine retribution – This refers to the belief that when people do wrong, they will eventually face consequences set by a higher power. It’s the idea of justice coming through divine providence, especially when people commit wicked deeds.
- Divine order – The belief that everything in the universe is part of a divine plan. This concept helps to bring peace to people’s lives, knowing that there’s an order to everything and a purpose for every event in life.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When writing or speaking, it’s easy to mix up the words divine and devine, but they have different meanings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these words:
- Using “devine” instead of “divine”: The word devine doesn’t exist in the English language. Always use divine when referring to something godly or heavenly.
- Confusing “divine” with a verb: Some people mistakenly use divine as a verb. Divine is an adjective, not a verb. For example, instead of saying “I divined the answer,” you should say, “I guessed the answer.”
- Using “divine” in a negative context: The word divine usually describes something positive or sacred. Saying “The traffic was divine” to describe something awful is incorrect. Instead, choose words like terrible or awful.
- Confusing “divine” with “diviner”: A diviner is someone who can predict the future or find hidden things, whereas divine refers to something godly. Don’t mix these up.
- Misunderstanding the meanings: Divine relates to godly or sacred things, while devine is a misspelling. Be careful not to confuse their different meanings.
- Ignoring context: Always pay attention to context. For example, using divine in an unrelated sentence could cause confusion. For instance, “The sunset was divine” makes sense, but “The traffic was divine” does not.
- Overcomplicating descriptions: Use concise and clear language. Instead of over-explaining, let the word divine do the work. If you’re unsure, refer to a style guide or dictionary.
- Not using proper nouns correctly: Divine is an adjective, but devine is often used as a noun or name (e.g., a surname). Be sure to understand the difference.
- Ignoring the power of words: Words like divine presence, divine love, and divine intervention are full of spiritual guidance. Use them accurately to avoid confusion.
Context Matters
The words divine and devine are often confused, but understanding their context helps clarify their proper use. In a religious context, divine refers to something connected to a higher power or god, such as in the phrase “divine intervention” or “divine plan.”
Using devine in these situations is a misspelling or error and would be considered historically inaccurate. In ancient texts like those from ancient Rome, divine referred to the gods and goddesses of the Roman pantheon, emphasizing the meaning and importance of the term.
In a culinary context, the term divine is often used to describe exceptionally delicious food or drink, such as “this chocolate cake is simply divine” to convey satisfaction and deliciousness.
Devine, however, does not fit here and is an incorrect usage. The choice between these two terms depends on the specific context, and knowing when and how to choose the right word is key to ensuring the description is meaningful and accurate.
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Conclusion
When it comes to divine vs devine, understanding the context is key to choosing the right word. Whether you’re discussing religion, history, or even food, each term has a specific place in language. Divine is often linked to something godly or sacred, while devine is mostly a misspelling that can lead to confusion. By paying attention to the context and meaning, you’ll avoid common mistakes and use these words with accuracy and clarity.
FAQs
What is the verb form of Divine?
The verb form of “divine” is “to divine”, meaning to foresee or predict something, often using intuition or mystical methods.
Which vowel is used before Divine?
The indefinite article “a” is typically used before “divine.”
What is the pronunciation of Divine?
“Divine” is pronounced as /dɪˈvaɪn/, with the stress on the second syllable.
Why is it called Divine?
The term “divine” is derived from the Latin word “divinus”, which means god-like or related to the gods, signifying something sacred or heavenly.
What is the root word of Divine?
The root of “divine” comes from the Latin word “divinus”, meaning godly or heavenly, which traces back to “divus”, meaning god.
What is the singular form of Divine?
The singular form of “divine” remains “divine” when referring to qualities or things considered godly or sacred.
What is the plural form of Divine?
The plural form of “divine” in certain contexts, particularly referring to religious scholars or theologians, is “divines.”
Which conjunction is used with Divine?
Any conjunction can be used with “divine” based on the sentence structure. For example, “and,” “but,” or “as.”
Which article is used with Divine?
The articles “a” or “the” can be used with “divine,” depending on the context.
Is Divine an adverb?
No, divine is not an adverb. It is most commonly used as an adjective or noun.
Which preposition is used with Divine?
Common prepositions used with “divine” include “of,” “by,” or “for.” For example, “by divine grace” or “of divine origin.”
Is Divine a countable noun?
When referring to theologians or religious figures, “divine” can be countable. However, in general usage, “divine” is uncountable.
Is Divine a collective noun?
No, divine is not a collective noun. It refers to an individual quality or a being.
What is another term for Divine?
Other words that might be used instead of “divine” include “heavenly” or “sacred.”
What is the second form of Divine?
The second form of “divine” when used as a verb is “divined”, referring to the act of foretelling or predicting.
What is the third form of Divine?
The third form of “divine” as a verb is also “divined” (past participle).
What part of speech is Divine?
“Divine” can function as both a noun (referring to a deity or theologian) and an adjective (describing something godly or heavenly).
Is Divine a negative or positive word?
“Divine” is generally used in a positive context, associated with something heavenly, holy, or good.
How many syllables are in Divine?
The word “divine” has two syllables: di-vine.
What is a stressed syllable in Divine?
The stressed syllable in “divine” is the second one: vine.
What is the opposite of Divine?
The opposite of “divine” could be “earthly” or “mortal”, referring to things not associated with divinity.
Which determiner is used with Divine?
Determiners like “this,” “that,” or “some” can be used with “divine” depending on the context.
Is Divine a vowel or consonant?
“Divine” contains both vowels (i, e) and consonants (d, v, n).
Is Divine a noun or adjective?
“Divine” can be both a noun (referring to a deity) and an adjective (describing something godly).
Is Divine an abstract noun?
Yes, when used to describe godly attributes, “divine” can function as an abstract noun.
Is the Divine term a metaphor?
Yes, “divine” can sometimes be used metaphorically to refer to something extraordinary or awe-inspiring.
Is the word Divine imperative?
No, “divine” is not used in the imperative form.
How do we divide Divine into syllables?
“Divine” is divided into two syllables: Di-vine.
What is the first form of Divine?
The first form of “divine” as a verb is simply “divine” (present tense).
How is Divine used in a sentence?
Example: “Many believed the sudden rain during the drought was a result of divine intervention.”
A communication coach with a background in public speaking and business English. He helps professionals refine their English for workplace success.