beatify
UK[biˈætɪfaɪ]US[biˈætɪfaɪ]
v
(in the roman catholic church) to declare (a deceased person) to be among the blessed in heaven, the first step towards canonization.
v
to make supremely happy.
Morpheme Breakdown
beat
ify
beat
blessed
ify
to make
Etymology
the word beatify is a direct borrowing from ecclesiastical latin 'beatificare', which means 'to make happy' or 'to bless'. this latin term is itself a compound of 'beatus' (blessed, happy) and the verb-forming suffix '-ficare' (to make). the core concept of 'beatus' is tied to a state of divine happiness or blessedness, a meaning preserved in the religious ceremony. thus, the modern english verb retains this dual sense: the formal ecclesiastical act of declaring a person blessed and the more general sense of making someone supremely happy.
Analysis
Structure: beat (blessed) + ify (to make)
beat originates from latin 'beatus', meaning 'blessed, happy'. ify is an english verb-forming suffix from latin '-ificare', meaning 'to make'.
Examples
the vatican decided to beatify the nun for her charitable works and miracles.
the serene landscape seemed to beatify his troubled mind.
the ceremony to beatify the martyrs drew pilgrims from around the world.