Otherworldly: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒŒ
Add to dictionary

otherworldly

 

[ หŒสŒรฐ.ษ™rหˆwษœหld.li ]

Adjective / Adverb
Context #1 | Adjective

fantasy

Of, relating to, or characteristic of a world beyond the physical world; supernatural or magical.

Synonyms

fantastical, magical, supernatural.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
otherworldly

Used to describe something that doesn't seem to belong in the normal world, often giving a sense of mystery or wonder.

  • The cave was filled with an otherworldly glow that made the rocks shimmer in eerie colors
supernatural

Used to describe phenomena that are beyond the normal physical world, often involving ghosts, spirits, or unexplained forces. Can carry a negative or eerie connotation.

  • The supernatural events in the old mansion terrified the new owners, who heard whispers in empty rooms
magical

Used to describe something that has the qualities of magic, enchanting, or very special, often with a positive or awe-inspiring connotation.

  • The garden looked magical under the moonlight, with fireflies dancing among the flowers
fantastical

Used to describe something that is imaginative and strange in a way that is far removed from reality, often found in fairy tales or myths.

  • The child told a fantastical story about a dragon who lived in a castle made of candy

Examples of usage

  • It was an otherworldly experience, like stepping into a fairy tale.
  • The creatures in the film had an otherworldly appearance, unlike anything seen on Earth.
Context #2 | Adverb

description

In a way that is characteristic of a world beyond the physical world; in a supernatural or magical manner.

Synonyms

fantastically, magically, supernaturally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
otherworldly

Use this word when describing something that seems like it comes from another planet or realm, something that is not normal or is mysterious.

  • The sky had an otherworldly glow at sunset
supernaturally

This word suits situations describing events or qualities that are beyond the laws of nature, often associated with ghosts, spirits, or mystical phenomena.

  • The old house is said to be supernaturally haunted
magically

Best used when describing something that happens in a way that seems impossible or as if by magic. Often used in a literal or metaphorical sense related to magic or enchantment.

  • The fairy lights made the garden look magically beautiful
fantastically

This word is used to describe something that is incredibly good, surprising, or imaginative. It conveys a sense of extreme positivity or excellence.

  • She did fantastically well on her exams

Examples of usage

  • The music seemed to come from an otherworldly place, filling the room with a sense of wonder.
  • She moved through the forest with an otherworldly grace, as if gliding on air.

Translations

Translations of the word "otherworldly" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น de outro mundo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคฐเคฒเฅ‹เค•เคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช unirdisch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dari dunia lain

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพั‚ะพะนะฑั–ั‡ะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nieziemski

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็•ฐไธ–็•Œใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท d'un autre monde

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ de otro mundo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dรผnyadan deฤŸil

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‹ค๋ฅธ ์„ธ์ƒ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู† ุนุงู„ู… ุขุฎุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ z jinรฉho svฤ›ta

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ z inรฉho sveta

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฅ่‡ชๅผ‚ไธ–็•Œ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ iz drugega sveta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รบr รถรฐrum heimi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐัา›ะฐ ำ™ะปะตะผะดั–ะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒฎแƒ•แƒ แƒกแƒแƒ›แƒงแƒแƒ แƒแƒก

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ baลŸqa dรผnyadan

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ de otro mundo

Etymology

The word 'otherworldly' originated in the early 19th century, combining 'other' and 'worldly'. It is often used in the context of fantasy, describing something that is beyond the ordinary or mundane. The concept of otherworldly beings and realms has been a common theme in folklore and mythology throughout history, inspiring stories of magic and wonder.

See also: netherworld, underworld, world, worldly, worldview, worldwide.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,438, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.