ethereal
UK: ɪˈθɪəriəl | US: ɪˈθɪriəl
adj. extremely delicate, light, or refined
adj. heavenly or spiritual; not of this world
adj. (chemistry) of or resembling a volatile, light substance (archaic)
ethereal = ether<upper air, sky> + eal<adjective suffix>
- ether: From Greek aithēr (αἰθήρ), meaning "upper air" or "pure, fresh air." In ancient cosmology, it referred to the clear sky or the substance filling the heavenly realms.
- eal: An adjective-forming suffix derived from Latin -alis, indicating "pertaining to" or "of the nature of."
Etymology Origin:
The word "ethereal" traces back to the Greek concept of aithēr, the pure, bright air breathed by the gods. Over time, it evolved to describe things that are delicate, celestial, or seemingly not of earthly origin. The suffix -eal anchors the word in English as an adjective, preserving its connection to lightness and transcendence.
The dancer’s movements were so ethereal, she seemed to float across the stage.
The painting captured an ethereal glow, as if lit by moonlight.
Scientists once believed that light traveled through an invisible medium called the ethereal.
Her voice had an ethereal quality, like a whisper from another world.
The mist rising from the lake at dawn created an ethereal landscape.