Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This vocabulary question can be solved by looking at its Latin etymological roots. Breaking down prefixes and suffixes helps unlock the core meaning of advanced vocabulary words across competitive exams.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's break down the word benediction into its constituent root parts:
- "bene": A Latin root meaning "well" or "good" (as seen in words like benefit, beneficial, or benevolent).
- "dicere" / "dict": A Latin root meaning "to speak" or "to say" (as seen in words like dictation, dictionary, or predict).
Combining these two roots gives the literal meaning "to speak well of someone or something." In English usage, a benediction is an utterance of good wishes, typically a formal or solemn blessing delivered at the end of a religious service or public ceremony. Therefore, option (B) is the correct choice. Let's look at why the other options do not fit:
- Option (A) describes a penalty or retribution.
- Option (C) describes a dispute or altercation.
- Option (D) describes an expression of grief, pain, or grievance.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The meaning of benediction is "Formal blessing".