Gudomlig

Gudomlig is a Swedish adjective meaning divine or godlike. It is used to describe qualities attributed to a deity, such as holiness, perfection, or supreme power, and can also be applied metaphorically to extraordinary beauty, skill, or experience.

Etymology and related forms: The word comes from the Swedish word gud (god) combined with a suffix that conveys likeness or characteristic, producing an adjective that literally signals “of God” or “godlike.” It has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Danish guddommelig and Norwegian guddommelig, which share the same root and sense.

Usage: In religious or theological contexts, gudomlig describes the attributes of a deity or sacred acts and beings. In everyday language, it often functions as a elevated or poetic intensifier for impressive qualities, as in art, nature, or personal achievements, though its religious resonance makes it somewhat formal or elevated for general use.

Cultural and stylistic notes: Gudomlig appears in poetry, sermons, and literary prose to evoke awe, reverence, or a sense of transcendence. When used outside strictly religious discourse, it tends to be poetic or hyperbolic and may be taken as a figure of speech rather than a literal claim about divinity.

See also: divine, divinity, godliness.