Otherworldliness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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otherworldliness

[สŒรฐษ™หˆwษ™rldlinษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

sense of being from another world

Otherworldliness is the quality or state of being from or characteristic of another world, often associated with a sense of mystery, magic, or supernatural elements.

Synonyms

ethereality, mystical quality, supernaturalness.

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Word Description / Examples
otherworldliness

This word is often used to describe things that seem strange, unusual, or out of this world. It suggests that something doesn't belong to the normal, everyday reality.

  • The painting had a sense of otherworldliness that drew people into a dreamlike state
supernaturalness

This term is often applied to events or entities that are beyond the laws of nature, implying the presence of forces that are not understood by science. It may carry a somewhat eerie or unsettling connotation.

  • The chilling supernaturalness of the haunted house kept everyone on edge
mystical quality

This phrase is used to describe something that has an aura of mystery or magic, often related to spiritual or supernatural elements. It implies a deeper, almost inaccessible understanding.

  • The old forest carried a mystical quality, making it feel like stepping into another dimension
ethereality

This term is typically used to describe something extremely light, delicate, and heavenly in nature. It can be used to talk about beauty that seems too perfect for this world.

  • Her ethereality was evident as she moved gracefully across the stage, like an angel

Examples of usage

  • Her paintings exude a sense of otherworldliness, transporting viewers to a realm beyond our own.
  • The novel's atmosphere of otherworldliness created an eerie and captivating experience for readers.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, otherworldliness often indicates a setting or character from a fantasy realm, like fairies or wizards.
  • Authors like H.P. Lovecraft introduced otherworldly concepts through horror, creating settings that evoke fear and wonder.

Philosophy

  • Philosophical discussions around otherworldliness can explore ideas of existence beyond physical reality, raising questions about spirituality.
  • Platoโ€™s Theory of Forms suggests that true understanding lies beyond our material world, hinting at an otherworldly dimension of reality.

Religion

  • Many religions depict a realm beyond our own, such as heaven or other planes of existence, exemplifying otherworldly beliefs.
  • Buddhism introduces concepts like the 'Pure Land,' emphasizing a transcendent state that aligns with otherworldly philosophies.

Art

  • In art, otherworldliness can be depicted through dreamlike landscapes or surreal imagery that challenge reality.
  • Artists like Salvador Dalรญ create works that evoke feelings of strangeness, transporting viewers to an otherworldly experience.

Origin of 'otherworldliness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'other' (meaning different) and 'worldliness' (connected to our world), suggesting a connection to a different realm.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the late 19th century, reflecting an interest in the supernatural during that era.

The term 'otherworldliness' originated in the late 19th century, stemming from the combination of 'otherworldly' and the suffix '-ness'. It has been used to describe the mystical, supernatural, or mysterious qualities associated with beings or realms beyond our own world. The concept of otherworldliness has often been explored in literature, art, and philosophy as a means to evoke a sense of wonder and transcendence.