Aery: meaning, definitions and examples

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aery

 

[ˈɛəri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

related to air

The term 'aery' describes something that is light and insubstantial, often associated with the quality of being airy or ethereal. It can refer to a delicate or fragile nature, typically lacking in density or weight. In literature, it may evoke a sense of the sublime or the spiritual, as if the subject is floating or existing in a realm above the mundane. This word is less commonly used in contemporary language but retains a poetic or archaic charm.

Synonyms

delicate, ethereal, fine, insubstantial, light.

Examples of usage

  • The aery whispers of the wind caressed her face.
  • He looked up at the aery clouds drifting across the sky.
  • The ballet dancers moved with an aery grace.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'aery' comes from the Middle English term 'airi,' which means 'of the air.'
  • It is rooted in the Old French word 'air,' linking it to the concept of the sky and atmosphere.
  • Its pronunciation sounds similar to 'airy,' which emphasizes its lightness and space-related qualities.

Literature

  • In poetry, 'aery' is often used to evoke feelings of lightness and ethereality, creating a dream-like quality in descriptions.
  • Shakespeare used terms similar to 'aery' in his works to describe characters or elements that were ethereal and otherworldly.
  • Romantic poets frequently employed this word to depict aspects of nature that convey beauty and transience.

Science

  • In physics, the concept of 'aery' could relate to lightweight gases that are less dense than air, contributing to buoyancy.
  • The behavior of certain animals, like birds and butterflies, often illustrates the qualities of 'aery' as they float gracefully through the air.
  • In environmental science, 'aery' can describe clouds, which consist of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere.

Art

  • In visual arts, elements described as ‘aery’ often utilize soft colors and flowing lines to convey a sense of lightness and delicacy.
  • Artists have depicted landscapes and scenes in an ‘aery’ style to evoke calmness and create an ethereal atmosphere.
  • The use of translucent materials in sculpture can evoke an 'aery' feeling, suggesting fragility and lightness.

Cultural References

  • 'Aery' can be found in various cultural expressions, including music and dance, where lightness is a theme, often representing freedom or joy.
  • Certain folklore and fairy tales depict 'aery beings' or spirits who are associated with the sky, emphasizing their ethereal nature.
  • In fantasy genres, realms or creatures described as 'aery' often symbolize purity and mystical attributes.