Ethereal: meaning, definitions and examples

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ethereal

[ɪˈθɪəriəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing something intangible

Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world; heavenly or spiritual.

Synonyms

airy, celestial, delicate, otherworldly, spiritual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ethereal	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
celestial	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
otherworldly	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
airy	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
delicate	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
spiritual	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

Examples of usage

The ethereal beauty of the sunrise took my breath away.
Her ethereal voice seemed to come from another realm.
The dancers moved across the stage with an ethereal grace.
The ethereal music filled the room with a sense of tranquility.
The ethereal mist hung over the lake, creating a magical atmosphere.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

describing a substance

A substance that is extremely light, delicate, and intangible.

Synonyms

airy, delicate, diaphanous, etherealized, gossamer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ethereal	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	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
delicate	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	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	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
etherealized	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

Examples of usage

The artist used ethereal paints to create a dreamlike effect in the painting.
The perfume had an ethereal scent that lingered in the air.
The fabric was so ethereal that it seemed to float on the breeze.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'ethereal' comes from the Greek word 'aither,' meaning 'upper air' or 'pure, fresh air.'
It entered the English language in the 17th century, originally describing things related to the heavens.
Over time, it has evolved to represent not just the sky but also anything that appears light or airy.

Literature

In poetry, ‘ethereal’ often describes beauty that is light and fragile, evoking a sense of otherworldliness.
Authors like John Milton and Keats have used the term to illustrate heavenly beauty in their works.
The term is frequently applied to mystical or whimsical characters in fantasy literature.

Art

In visual arts, ethereal qualities are often expressed through light colors, soft edges, and transparent layers.
Artists like J.M.W. Turner are known for their ethereal landscapes, where the atmosphere appears dreamy and enrapturing.
Many modern digital artists create ethereal visuals through the use of light effects and surreal themes.

Science

In chemistry, the term 'ethereal' describes substances that are light, volatile, or gas-like in nature.
Ethyl ether, a chemical compound, is often used in laboratories due to its low boiling point and lightness.
The concept of ether was historically believed to be a medium for light before the discovery of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Psychology

Experiences that feel surreal or dreamlike might be described as ‘ethereal,' often linking to altered states of consciousness.
Ethereal environments in art therapy can help individuals connect to feelings of peace and transcendence.
The feeling of nostalgia can evoke ethereal imagery, transporting people back to memories that seem almost unreal.

Translations

Translations of the word "ethereal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 etéreo

🇮🇳 अति सूक्ष्म

🇩🇪 ätherisch

🇮🇩 etereal

🇺🇦 ефемерний

🇵🇱 eteryczny

🇯🇵 エーテルのような

🇫🇷 éthéré

🇪🇸 etéreo

🇹🇷 eterik

🇰🇷 천상의

🇸🇦 أثيري

🇨🇿 éterický

🇸🇰 éterický

🇨🇳 空灵的

🇸🇮 eteričen

🇮🇸 eterískur

🇰🇿 эфирлі

🇬🇪 ეთერული

🇦🇿 eterik

🇲🇽 etéreo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,018, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16015 assertive
16016 incalculable
16017 adulterated
16018 ethereal
16019 barked
16020 overtake
16021 campaigning
...