ethereal

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; as impalpable or intangible as air; - Thomas Carlyle
  2. adjective of or containing or dissolved in ether
  3. adjective of heaven or the spirit

Etymology

From Latin aetherius (“of or pertaining to the ether, the sky, Heaven or the air or upper air”), from Ancient Greek αἰθέριος (aithérios, “of or pertaining to the upper air”). By surface analysis, ether + -ial.

In classic literature

Synonyms

aeriform, aerial, airy, aery

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