Celestial: meaning, definitions and examples

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celestial

 

[səˈlɛstʃəl ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "celestial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 celestial

🇮🇳 आकाशीय

🇩🇪 himmlisch

🇮🇩 langit

🇺🇦 небесний

🇵🇱 niebiański

🇯🇵 天の (てんの, ten no)

🇫🇷 céleste

🇪🇸 celestial

🇹🇷 göksel

🇰🇷 천상의 (cheonsang-ui)

🇸🇦 سماوي

🇨🇿 nebeský

🇸🇰 nebeský

🇨🇳 天上的 (tiānshàng de)

🇸🇮 nebeški

🇮🇸 himneskur

🇰🇿 аспандық

🇬🇪 ზეციური

🇦🇿 göylər

🇲🇽 celestial

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.