Apparitions: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to supernatural beings appearing unexpectedly or seemingly out of nowhere, often causing surprise or shock. It can be used in both literary and conversational settings.

• The abandoned house is said to be haunted by strange apparitions
• / I thought I saw an apparition in the middle of the night

Commonly used to describe the spirits of dead people that are believed to appear to the living. It is widely used in everyday language, storytelling, folklore, and horror genres.

• Many people claim to have seen ghosts in the old mansion
• / Children love to hear ghost stories during Halloween

Similar to ghosts, but often conveys a sense of doom, fear, or something ominous. It is frequently used in literature and formal writing.

• The specter of war loomed over the country
• / He was haunted by the specter of his past mistakes

Usually refers to elusive or mysterious beings that may or may not exist, often used in a more poetic or dramatic context. It can also imply something that is not real or is just a figment of imagination.

• The darkened theater felt as if phantoms were watching from the shadows
• / She chased the phantom of her lost dreams

Usually refers to ghostly figures or supernatural beings that are seen suddenly and often fleetingly. It has a somewhat spooky or eerie connotation.

• Many witnesses claimed to have seen apparitions of the old lighthouse keeper.
• The house was rumored to be haunted by the apparition of a young girl.

Used to describe the act of becoming visible or seen, which can apply to a wide range of entities or situations, not necessarily supernatural.

• The sudden appearance of the CEO at the meeting surprised everyone.
• She made her first public appearance since the accident.

Often used to describe clear and observable signs, especially of ideas, qualities, or conditions. It is more formal and can be used in both supernatural and non-supernatural contexts.

• His anxiety had physical manifestations, such as sweating and trembling.
• The manifestation of the disease varied from person to person.

Typically refers to seeing something in a dream, trance, or as a supernatural experience. It often implies a message or insight gained from what is seen.

• He had visions of a better future where everyone lived in harmony.
• The prophet described her visions which she believed were sent by a higher power.