Celestial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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celestial

[sษ™หˆlษ›stสƒษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

heavenly bodies

Relating to the sky or the heavens; divine or spiritual in nature.

Synonyms

divine, heavenly, spiritual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
celestial

Refers to things related to the sky or the heavens, often used in scientific or poetic contexts.

  • The celestial bodies include the sun, moon, and stars
  • The telescope revealed celestial wonders
heavenly

Often describes something related to heaven or extremely pleasant and beautiful, used in both religious contexts and everyday language.

  • The dessert was simply heavenly
  • She felt a heavenly peace as she walked through the garden
divine

Used when referring to something godly or extremely good and beautiful, often in religious or highly appreciative contexts.

  • The choir's performance was absolutely divine
  • Many believe that love is a divine gift
spiritual

Relates to matters of the spirit or soul, often used in religious or reflective contexts.

  • He is on a spiritual journey to find inner peace
  • Many people find spiritual solace in nature

Examples of usage

  • The celestial bodies in the night sky are mesmerizing.
  • She felt a sense of peace and wonder when gazing at the celestial stars.
  • Many ancient cultures believed that celestial events were connected to the gods.
  • The celestial realm is often depicted as a place of eternal beauty and peace.
  • In astrology, the positions of celestial bodies are believed to influence human lives.
Context #2 | Noun

mythology

A divine being or god typically associated with the sky or heavens.

Synonyms

deity, divinity, god.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
celestial

Use 'celestial' when referring to something related to the sky or heavens, often in a scientific or poetic sense.

  • The celestial bodies include stars, planets, and moons.
  • The night sky was filled with celestial beauty.
deity

Use 'deity' when referring to a god or goddess, particularly in a mythological or religious context.

  • In Ancient Greece, Zeus was considered the most powerful deity.
  • The temple was dedicated to a sacred deity.
god

Use 'god' to refer to a supreme being worshipped in various religions or when discussing divinity in a general sense. It can have a negative connotation if used to describe someone with an inflated sense of power or importance.

  • Many people pray to God for guidance and support.
  • He acted as if he were a god among men, which irritated everyone.
divinity

Use 'divinity' to describe the state of being divine or god-like, often used in academic, theological, or philosophical discussions.

  • She studied the concept of divinity in various cultures.
  • The divinity of the king was recognized by his subjects.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient Greeks believed in a pantheon of celestial beings.
  • Thor was considered a celestial in Norse mythology.
  • Many ancient civilizations worshipped various celestials as deities.
  • The Mayans had a complex system of celestial gods and goddesses.
  • Legends often tell of celestials descending from the heavens to interact with humans.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Astronomy

  • Celestial bodies include not only stars and planets but also comets, asteroids, and galaxies.
  • The celestial sphere is a conceptual model used in astronomy to map locations of these objects as if projected onto an imaginary sphere surrounding Earth.
  • Astronomers use telescopes to observe and study celestial phenomena, aiding our understanding of the universe.

Literature

  • Celestial imagery is often used in poetry to evoke beauty, transcendence, and awe, as seen in works by poets like John Keats.
  • In many mythologies, celestial beings such as angels or gods are depicted as having ethereal qualities, bridging heaven and earth.
  • Literary works like Dante's 'Divine Comedy' explore the concept of celestial realms as places of beauty and divine order.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have myths associated with celestial bodies, such as the sun being a god in ancient Egyptian beliefs.
  • Celestial navigation was vital for explorers, as they relied on stars to find their way across oceans long before modern technology.
  • Celebrations like New Year's often have celestial themes, such as fireworks that symbolize stars lighting up the sky.

Psychology

  • Celestial imagery can evoke feelings of wonder and inspiration, often used in art and music to create uplifting experiences.
  • Studies show that gazing at celestial objects can help reduce stress and induce feelings of calm and reflection.
  • Belief in celestial influences has influenced human behavior and thought, shaping many philosophical and scientific discussions.

Origin of 'celestial'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'caelestis,' meaning 'heavenly' or 'of the sky.'
  • In ancient times, celestial objects were often linked to gods and spirituality, making the word rich in meaning.
  • In medieval manuscripts, celestial spheres were depicted as layers of the universe surrounding Earth.

The word 'celestial' has its roots in the Latin word 'caelestis' which means 'heavenly' or 'of the sky'. It has been used in various cultures and mythologies to describe beings or phenomena associated with the sky or heavens. The concept of celestials has been a central theme in religion, mythology, and astrology throughout history, symbolizing divinity, spirituality, and the mysteries of the cosmos.


Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,265 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.