Otherworldliness: meaning, definitions and examples

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otherworldliness

[ʌðəˈwərldlinəs ]

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.
Plato’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 Dalí create works that evoke feelings of strangeness, transporting viewers to an otherworldly experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "otherworldliness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 outromundismo

🇮🇳 अलौकिकता

🇩🇪 Andersweltlichkeit

🇮🇩 kekelana dunia lain

🇺🇦 потойбічність

🇵🇱 zaświatowość

🇯🇵 異世界感 (isekai-kan)

🇫🇷 autre-mondialité

🇪🇸 otramundalidad

🇹🇷 öteki dünya hissi

🇰🇷 이세계감 (isegye-gam)

🇸🇦 عالم آخرية

🇨🇿 jiný světový pocit

🇸🇰 iný svetový pocit

🇨🇳 异世界感 (yì shìjiè gǎn)

🇸🇮 drugi svetovni občutek

🇮🇸 annarsheimsleiki

🇰🇿 басқа әлемдік сезім

🇬🇪 სხვა სამყაროს გრძნობა

🇦🇿 başqa dünya hissi

🇲🇽 otramundalidad