Etymology

From Old Portuguese bẽeiçon, from Latin benedictiōnem, accusative singular of benedictiō ‎(“blessing; benediction”). The plural in -ãos was formed by analogy with other paroxytones in -ão; the etymologically correct plural *bênções is considered incorrect.

Pronunciation

• (Portugal, Brazil) IPA^(key): /ˈbẽsɐ̃w̃/