Ethereal
Word of the Day
What is Ethereal?
adjective
Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to celebrate beauty that transcends the material — the kind of softness or brilliance that feels fleeting and rare.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The singer’s ethereal voice captivated the audience.
They watched the mist drift across the lake in an ethereal dance.
Her gown had an ethereal shimmer, like something out of a dream.
Word Origins
Latin aetherius from Greek aitherios ("of the upper air")
Originally used in science and philosophy to describe heavenly or celestial realms.
First appearance in English: 16th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Noun:
The artist described the painting as born of pure ether.
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Adjective:
The music had a celestial quality.
-
Adjective:
She wore an airy white scarf that floated in the wind.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: etéreo
- French: éthéré
- German: ätherisch
- Italian: etereo
- Portuguese: etéreo
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Delicate
“Delicate” is fragile and refined; “ethereal” adds transcendence or mystique.
Heavenly
“Heavenly” often implies religious bliss; “ethereal” can be aesthetic or emotional.
Otherworldly
“Otherworldly” may be eerie; “ethereal” is gentle and luminous.
Fun Facts
- In ancient cosmology, “aether” was the fifth element — the substance of stars and heavens.
- NASA used the name “ETHEREAL” as a codename for a lightweight atmospheric monitoring platform.
Cultural Usage
- Ambient and dream-pop genres often aim for an ethereal sound that floats and lingers.
- Poets use “ethereal” to describe things beyond touch — light, soul, emotion.
Common Mistakes
Often confused with “delicate” or “fragile”; “ethereal” adds elegance and transcendence.
Micro Story
She moved through the room with an ethereal grace, like moonlight on still water.