unearthly
UK: ʌnˈɜːθli | US: ʌnˈɜːrθli
adj. 1. supernatural; not of this world
adj. 2. strange or unnatural in a way that is unsettling
adj. 3. (informal) extraordinarily good or beautiful
The word "unearthly" combines the prefix "un-" (meaning "not"), the root "earth" (referring to the physical world or ground), and the suffix "-ly" (forming adjectives). Originally used to describe things beyond earthly existence (e.g., ghosts or divine beings), it later expanded to describe anything strikingly unnatural or exceptionally beautiful. The progression reflects a shift from literal ("not of earth") to figurative ("strangely intense") meanings.
The unearthly glow of the aurora borealis mesmerized the travelers.
She let out an unearthly scream that echoed through the empty halls.
The singer’s unearthly voice left the audience in awe.
Scientists discovered an unearthly mineral in the meteorite.
His unearthly calm during the crisis unnerved everyone around him.