Ethereal: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something light, delicate, and often otherworldly beauty or perfection.

• The bride looked ethereal in her flowing white gown
• The sunset over the mountains was an ethereal sight

Refers to things related to the sky or heavens, often used to describe heavenly bodies or something divine.

• The night sky was filled with celestial bodies
• He felt a celestial connection with the stars above

Describes something that seems to belong to another world or a realm beyond the physical world, often mysterious or magical.

• The glowing forest had an otherworldly charm
• Her singing voice had an otherworldly quality that captivated everyone

Describes something light and spacious or having a lot of open space, often related to physical spaces or abstract concepts.

• The living room was airy and full of light
• Her dress was made of airy, breezy fabric

Used to describe something fine in texture or structure and easily broken or damaged.

• She handled the delicate vase with utmost care
• The artist painted delicate flowers on the canvas

Relates to the spirit or soul, often in a religious or deeply meaningful context, focusing on non-material aspects of life.

• She found spiritual solace in meditation
• The ancient temple had a spiritual atmosphere that was palpable

This word is often used to describe something that is extremely delicate and light, almost too perfect for this world. It's commonly used in literature, poetry, and descriptions of beauty that seem otherworldly.

• The dancer moved with an ethereal grace
• The landscape, bathed in the morning mist, had an ethereal quality

Airy is used to describe something that is light and spacious. It can refer to physical spaces as well as abstract concepts such as feelings or tones.

• The room was bright and airy
• Her airy laughter filled the room

This word is used to describe something that is fragile and easily broken or damaged. It is often used to describe fine, intricate, or beautiful objects and can also refer to situations that need careful handling.

• The delicate flowers were arranged beautifully
• He handled the delicate situation with care

Diaphanous refers to something that is almost completely transparent or translucent. It is often used in the context of fabrics and materials.

• She wore a diaphanous dress that flowed with the wind
• The diaphanous curtains let the sunlight bathe the room in a soft glow

Gossamer is usually used to describe something very light, thin, and delicate, akin to a spider’s silk. It's often used in poetic or romantic descriptions.

• The gossamer wings of the butterfly glinted in the sunlight
• She wore a gossamer shawl that barely covered her shoulders

This word is a less common variant of 'ethereal'. It has a similar meaning and is often used in more poetic or literary contexts to give a sense of something being made ethereal or otherworldly.

• The artist etherealized his subjects, giving them an almost ghostly presence
• The music etherealized the atmosphere, creating a dream-like state