Apparitional Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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apparitional

[ˌæpəˈrɪʃənl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

ghostly

Of or relating to an apparition; ghostly.

Synonyms

ethereal, ghostly, phantom.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
apparitional	Used to describe something that resembles or relates to an apparition or ghost. It's often used in a more literary or poetic sense. The apparitional figure hovered near the old mansion, casting a chilling shadow on the moonlit ground
ghostly	Refers to something that resembles or pertains to a ghost. It's more commonly used in everyday language and can have a spooky or eerie connotation. A ghostly figure appeared in the hallway, making the children scream in fright
phantom	Often used to describe an illusory figure or something that is unreal or illusive. It can be used both in a literal and metaphorical sense. He chased after the phantom of his lost dreams, never quite reaching them
ethereal	Describes something extremely delicate, light, and seemingly not of this world. It can refer to a ghostlike appearance but often has a more positive or beautiful connotation. The ethereal music filled the room, creating an atmosphere of serene tranquility

Examples of usage

The apparitional figure seemed to float through the room.
The apparitional presence sent shivers down my spine.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

mysterious

Having the appearance of an apparition; ghostly or mysterious.

Synonyms

eerie, mysterious, uncanny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
apparitional	Used to describe something that seems like a ghost or a spirit. Often used in discussions about supernatural events or ghost stories. The old, abandoned house had an apparitional presence that sent chills down his spine. At midnight, an apparitional figure appeared at the end of the hallway.
mysterious	Used to describe something that is difficult to understand or explain. Often used for situations, people, or events that are intriguing and full of secrets. The man in the black coat had a mysterious aura about him. The mysterious disappearance of the artifact puzzled the detectives.
eerie	Used to describe something that feels strange and frightening. Often used to describe places, sounds, or situations that give an unsettling or spooky feeling. An eerie silence filled the forest as they walked through. The old castle had an eerie atmosphere, especially at night.
uncanny	Used to describe something that is strangely familiar or unsettling in a way that is difficult to explain. Often used to describe experiences that are bizarre or odd. He had an uncanny ability to know what others were thinking. There was an uncanny resemblance between the two paintings.

Examples of usage

The apparitional glow in the distance intrigued me.
Her apparitional beauty captivated everyone in the room.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Apparitional elements are common in Gothic literature, where they enhance suspense and evoke fear.
Famous works like 'A Christmas Carol' feature apparitional figures like Jacob Marley’s ghost to convey moral lessons.
Authors often use apparitions as metaphors for unresolved issues or guilt in characters.

Psychology

The sensation of seeing apparitions can be linked to sleep paralysis, where hallucinations often manifest.
Apparitions can represent subconscious feelings or fears manifesting as ghostly figures in dreams.
Belief in apparitions is often connected to cultural and personal histories, affecting people's perception of reality.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'The Sixth Sense' commonly feature apparitions to create twists in plots and explore themes of life and death.
Television shows such as 'Ghost Whisperer' present portrayals of characters interacting with apparitional spirits.
Many video games incorporate apparitional entities to enhance the eerie atmosphere, inviting player engagement.

Folklore

Numerous cultures have stories of apparitions, often representing the souls of the departed returning to communicate.
In many traditions, encountering an apparition is considered an omen, implying a significant event or warning.
Local legends often involve apparitional figures tied to historical tragedies, preserving the memory of past events.

Origin of 'apparitional'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Latin 'apparitio', meaning 'appearance'.
It developed through Old French 'apparition', which influenced its current spelling and use.
Since the 17th century, it has been primarily used to describe ghosts or spectral beings.

The word 'apparitional' originates from the noun 'apparition', which comes from the Latin word 'apparitio' meaning 'an appearance'. The term has been used to describe ghostly or mysterious phenomena throughout history, often associated with supernatural or paranormal occurrences. The adjective 'apparitional' is commonly used in literature and storytelling to evoke a sense of mystery and the supernatural.