velsigne

Velsigne is a verb used in Norwegian (bokmål) and Danish to mean to bless: to confer divine favor or to wish someone well. It is common in religious contexts, such as prayers and formal blessings by clergy, but it is also used in secular language to express goodwill toward people, places, or events. The related noun velsignelse means a blessing, and the past participle velsignet is used as an adjective meaning blessed or consecrated.

Etymology and cognates: The term is formed from elements meaning well or good and a root linked to blessing or marking. It has close cognates in other Scandinavian languages and shares roots with related Germanic forms, reflecting a long-standing religious and ceremonial vocabulary in the region.

Usage and forms: In Norwegian and Danish, the infinitive is commonly presented as velsigne (Norwegian) or velsigne/velsignere (Danish) depending on dialect and tense. The past participle is typically velsignet, used in phrases like “velsignet hus” (a blessed house). The word also appears in adjectival form and in compound expressions that denote blessing or consecration of people, objects, or events.

Cultural and contextual notes: Velsigne is primarily associated with Christian liturgy and rites, such as weddings, baptisms, and benedictions. In broader speech, it can be used metaphorically to acknowledge or wish success and good fortune for endeavors, situations, or communities.

See also: Blessing; liturgy; religious rites.