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Ghostly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ป
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ghostly

[หˆษกoสŠstli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

appearance

of, resembling, or characteristic of a ghost; eerie or eerie in appearance

Synonyms

eerie, spooky, supernatural.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ghostly

Used to describe something that resembles or relates to ghosts or the spirit world; often used to evoke a sense of something being pale or ethereal.

  • The ghostly figure hovered in the dim light.
  • The empty house had a ghostly glow at night.
eerie

Describes something that causes an uncomfortable or creepy sensation because it is strange or unfamiliar.

  • The forest was quiet, with an eerie silence that made my skin crawl.
  • An eerie feeling washed over me as I walked through the abandoned town.
spooky

Often used in a lighter context, usually to describe something that is slightly scary or unnerving, but not in a seriously frightening manner.

  • The old building looked spooky at night, but it was just a trick of the shadows.
  • We told spooky stories around the campfire.
supernatural

Refers to phenomena or entities that are beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature; often linked to magical or mythical events.

  • She claimed to have supernatural abilities and could see the future.
  • The movie was filled with supernatural events that defied explanation.

Examples of usage

  • The old house had a ghostly atmosphere.
  • She felt a ghostly presence in the room.
Context #2 | Adverb

manner

in a ghostly manner; like a ghost

Synonyms

eerily, spookily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ghostly

Describing something that resembles a ghost or evokes the feeling of being haunted. Often used to describe apparitions or things that are pale and otherworldly.

  • The old house had a ghostly appearance at night
  • Her face looked almost ghostly in the dim moonlight
eerily

Used when something is strange, mysterious, and slightly frightening. It conveys an unsettling feeling or atmosphere.

  • The deserted town felt eerily quiet
  • He found the silence in the forest eerily unsettling
spookily

Similar to 'eerily', but often used in a more light-hearted or playful way. Often describes something that is spooky or creepy in an amusing manner.

  • The children laughed as they walked through the spookily decorated house
  • The wind howled spookily through the trees on Halloween night

Examples of usage

  • The figure moved ghostly through the mist.
  • The sound echoed ghostly in the empty hallway.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'ghostly'

The word 'ghostly' originated in Middle English from the word 'gostli' meaning 'spiritual, pertaining to the soul'. It has been used to describe things that are eerie or supernatural since the 14th century.

See also: ghost, ghosts.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,843, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.