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Ethereal

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.
2. Referring to something heavenly or celestial, beyond the earthly realm.
3. Having a delicate, airy, or intangible quality, often used to describe beauty or otherworldliness.
4. In physics, relating to a subtle, intangible medium once believed to fill space (also referred to as “aether”).

History and Origin

The word “ethereal” comes from the Greek word aither, meaning “upper air” or “pure, bright air.” It was used in the 16th century to describe things that were associated with the heavens or the celestial realm, conveying an idea of purity and transcendence. Over time, it evolved in English to describe anything light, delicate, or otherworldly, often with an air of beauty or fragility.

Detailed Explanation

“Ethereal” is used to describe things that are so delicate, light, and beautiful that they seem unreal or supernatural. It often refers to qualities that are intangible, fleeting, or difficult to describe. For example, a piece of music, a painting, or a person’s presence might be described as ethereal when it feels almost heavenly or too perfect for this world. It is a word frequently used in art and literature to evoke a sense of beauty that is beyond ordinary experience. Ethereal also carries a connotation of being immaterial or lacking physical substance, enhancing the idea of something pure and otherworldly.

Example Sentences

1. The sunrise over the mountains was an ethereal sight, bathed in soft pink light.
2. Her voice had an ethereal quality, as though it came from another world.
3. The ballerina moved with an ethereal grace, as if floating across the stage.
4. The mist rising from the lake gave the landscape an ethereal beauty.
5. The artist painted an ethereal scene of angels in a celestial landscape.
6. His ethereal presence made everyone in the room feel calm and at peace.
7. The clouds parted, revealing an ethereal glow from the moon.
8. The music played in the background created an ethereal atmosphere, lifting everyone’s spirits.
9. The fragrance of the flowers was so light and delicate, it seemed ethereal.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Delicate – Fine or fragile in texture, often used to describe something beautiful but fragile.
2. Otherworldly – Beyond the ordinary or earthly, often with a mystical or celestial quality.
3. Heavenly – Of or like heaven, used to describe something divine or transcendent.
4. Light – Having a weightless or airy quality, often used for things that are ethereal in nature.
5. Transcendent – Going beyond the ordinary or earthly, often with spiritual or divine qualities.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Celestial – Relating to the heavens or the sky, often used to describe things divine or ethereal.
2. Otherworldly – Having qualities that seem to belong to another world, often associated with beauty or mystery.
3. Ephemeral – Lasting for a very short time, often used to describe something fleeting and delicate.
4. Divine – Pertaining to gods or a higher power, often used to describe ethereal beauty or qualities.
5. Airy – Light and insubstantial, often used to describe things with an ethereal, floating quality.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Ghostly – Of or like a ghost, often used to describe something that seems unreal or ethereal.
2. Gossamer – A thin, delicate fabric or web, often used metaphorically to describe something light and ethereal.
3. Seraphic – Relating to seraphs or angels, often used to describe ethereal beauty or purity.
4. Sublime – Of great beauty or excellence, often used to describe something that evokes awe or transcendence.
5. Angelic – Resembling or characteristic of angels, often used to describe ethereal qualities of purity or beauty.

Antonyms

1. Earthly
2. Heavy
3. Substantial
4. Material
5. Tangible