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Unearthly: meaning, definitions and examples

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unearthly

 

[ ʌnˈɜrθli ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

otherworldly quality

The term 'unearthly' describes something that is strange, mysterious, or beyond the realm of ordinary experience. It often evokes a sense of the supernatural or divine, leading to an impression that something does not belong to the natural world. This word is frequently used in literature and art to characterize elements that inspire wonder or awe. Something described as unearthly may appear haunting or ethereal, suggesting a beauty that is both exquisite and unsettling.

Synonyms

divine, ethereal, mysterious, otherworldly, supernatural

Examples of usage

  • The unearthly glow of the moonlit night.
  • Her unearthly beauty captivated everyone at the party.
  • The unearthly sounds echoed through the forest.

Translations

Translations of the word "unearthly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sobrenatural

🇮🇳 असाधारण

🇩🇪 überirdisch

🇮🇩 tak wajar

🇺🇦 неземний

🇵🇱 nadziemski

🇯🇵 非現実的な

🇫🇷 surnaturel

🇪🇸 sobrenatural

🇹🇷 üstü kapalı

🇰🇷 초자연적인

🇸🇦 غير أرضي

🇨🇿 nebeský

🇸🇰 nebeský

🇨🇳 超凡的

🇸🇮 nebeški

🇮🇸 ójarðbundinn

🇰🇿 аспандық

🇬🇪 უცხო

🇦🇿 yerdən kənar

🇲🇽 sobrenatural

Word origin

The word 'unearthly' dates back to the early 17th century, originating from a combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'earthly' which relates to the earth and its worldly attributes. In its formation, 'earthly' drew from the Old English 'eorþlic', meaning 'of the earth', which further evolved from 'eorþe', the Old English term for 'earth'. The prefix 'un-' has been a significant modifier in English, utilized to denote negation or absence. The growth of the term 'unearthly' emerged as concepts of the unknown, mystical, and spiritual began to permeate literature and common language, adapting over the centuries to reflect human fascination with the supernatural and the divine. By the Victorian era, 'unearthly' had solidified its association with aesthetics and the sublime, commonly appearing in poetry and prose to invoke imagery beyond the tangible and the ordinary, often suggesting a beauty that feels alien or transcendent.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,523, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.