How Do You Spell ETHEREAL?

Pronunciation: [iːθˈi͡əɹɪə͡l] (IPA)

The word "ethereal" is spelled with nine letters, but it has an intricate pronunciation. To break it down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the word begins with the "eh" sound, represented by the symbol /ɛ/. This is followed by the "th" sound, spelled with /θ/. The next syllable is pronounced "ee" with the symbol /iː/, before ending on the "ree" sound, written as /rɪə/. The final syllable is a soft "l" sound, denoted by /l/. The overall pronunciation of "ethereal" is /ɛˈθiːriəl/.

ETHEREAL Meaning and Definition

  1. Ethereal is an adjective that describes something delicate, light, and otherworldly in its beauty or nature. It refers to an element or quality that appears to be heavenly, celestial, or ethereal in its essence.

    When applied to objects or physical substances, ethereal suggests a quality of being intangible, delicate, or seemingly made of light. For instance, describing a sheer, diaphanous fabric as ethereal implies its delicate nature and airy appearance, as if it were made of clouds. Similarly, an ethereal fragrance may evoke a sense of being delicate, intangible, and elusive, as if it were the essence of a heavenly scent.

    Moreover, when used to depict a person, ethereal usually describes someone with a delicate, otherworldly beauty or presence. It highlights their appearance or aura as being exceptionally graceful, enchanting, and divine-like, as if they belong to a realm beyond the mundane and ordinary.

    In a broader sense, ethereal can also convey a mood or atmosphere that is delicate, enchanting, or dreamlike. For example, describing a sunset as ethereal alludes to its mesmerizing beauty, as if it were a celestial painting in the sky.

    Overall, ethereal is a term that is often associated with delicacy, lightness, and a sense of celestial beauty or existence, whether referring to physical objects, people, or intangible qualities.

  2. Relating to or containing ether.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Heavenly; spiritual; celestial; resembling ether.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for ETHEREAL *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for ETHEREAL

Etymology of ETHEREAL

The word "ethereal" comes from the Latin word "aethereus", which in turn was derived from the Greek word "aitherios". This Greek word was formed by combining "aithēr", meaning "pure, fresh air" or "upper air", with the suffix "-ios", indicating quality or nature. The concept of "aithēr" in Greek mythology represented the substance of the heavenly realm, considered to be radiant and untainted. Over time, "aethereus" in Latin was used to describe things that were light, airy, or celestial in nature. This eventually evolved into "ethereal" in English, which continues to depict something delicate, heavenly, or lacking material existence.

Similar spelling words for ETHEREAL

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