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Divine or Devine: Getting the Right Word

Byletslearnenglishtogether.com

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Is it “divine” or “devine” Many English learners and even native speakers sometimes get confused with these two words. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the right spelling.

divine or devine

Correct Spelling and Grammar Rules

The correct spelling is “divine,” not “devine.”

Divine follows normal English spelling rules. It has no “e” before the “v.” Remember this so you don’t make mistakes when you write.

Other commonly confused words:

How to Pronounce Divine

When you say divine out loud, the most common ways are “dih-VAHYN” or “duh-VYNE.” Stress the second syllable. The first syllable vowel sound can be a little different based on your accent.

Meaning of Divine

Now we know how to spell and say it. Let’s learn what divine means. According to the dictionary, divine can be used three ways:

An adjective, meaning:

  1. Related to God or a god
  2. Being a deity or god
  3. Extraordinarily good or beautiful

A noun, referring to:

  1. A minister or priest
  2. A theologian or religious scholar

A verb, meaning:

  1. To discover or find out through intuition or insight
  2. To discover or find the truth about something

Why is there Confusion between Divine and Devine?

The confusion between “divine” and “devine” likely stems from a few factors:

  1. First, the words sound almost the same when you say them aloud. Especially in some accents/dialects.
  2. Another reason is that English spelling isn’t always consistent. Some words follow different patterns than others. So someone might think “devine” is okay because it seems similar to how other words are spelled.

If we understand where the confusion originates, it helps clear things up between the right word (“divine”) and the misspelling (“devine”).

Meaning of Devine

Devine is NOT a real word. Sometimes people think it’s a word but it’s really just a mistake. They mean to write divine but write it with an e at the end by accident.

To remember the difference:

  • Divine means it’s about God
  • Devine isn’t a word at all

Using Divine In English

“Divine” is useful in many contexts from religious matters to everyday talk. Here are some examples:

Religious contexts:

  • The divine plan of God
  • Divine intervention
  • Seeking divine guidance

Describing something extraordinary:

  • That cake was simply divine!
  • The sunset was a divine sight.

In the context of intuition or discovery:

  • She could divine the hidden meaning.
  • Archaeologists divined the artifact’s purpose.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Some common mistakes to avoid with “divine” include:

  • Spelling it as “devine” (incorrect)
  • Using it to describe something just good or pleasant (overuse)
  • Using it as a verb incorrectly

Sentence Examples Using Divine


Here are some correct and incorrect examples:

Correct:

  • The divine power of love has no boundaries.
  • She sought divine guidance in prayer.
  • The chef’s food was truly divine.
  • Archaeologists divined the relic’s purpose by studying its markings.

Incorrect:

  • The devine power of love has no boundaries. (“devine” is spelled wrong)
  • She sought devine guidance in prayer. (“devine” is spelled wrong)
  • The chef’s food was devine. (“devine” is spelled wrong)

Why It Matters

Using the right words is important for good communication in any language. By learning to use “divine” correctly, you can:

  • Sound more credible and professional
  • Avoid confusion
  • Show your skills in English
  • Build confidence in your language abilities

Conclusion

In summary, the correct word is “divine,” not “devine.” Understanding its spelling, pronunciation, definition, and proper use will help strengthen your English. With practice and attention to detail, you can master using “divine” and communicate more effectively.

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