Ethereal

Definition

Extremely delicate, light, or airy; having an otherworldly, heavenly, or spiritual quality that seems to transcend the physical world. Ethereal things often feel insubstantial, dreamlike, or belonging to another realm.

Example Usage

The soprano's ethereal voice seemed to float above the orchestra, transporting the audience to another dimension.

Origin

From Latin aetherius (heavenly), derived from Greek aither (upper air, sky), the term originally referred to the celestial realm beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Fun Fact

In classical cosmology, 'ether' was believed to be the fifth element composing the heavens, distinct from the four earthly elements (earth, water, air, fire).

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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