Ethereality
/ˌiːθɪəriˈæləti/noun
The quality of seeming delicate, heavenly, insubstantial, or belonging to the upper air.
Did you know?In ancient Greek cosmology, aether was the pure fifth element of the celestial realm, distinct from the ordinary air breathed by humans.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂eydʰ-
“To burn, kindle, or shine; the reconstructed root behind words associated with radiance and heat.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
αἰθήρ ( aithḗr )
“The bright upper air or pure atmosphere above the clouds; later, the heavenly substance surrounding the gods.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
αἰθέριος ( aithérios )
“Of or belonging to the upper air; heavenly, elevated, or celestial.”
Latin
Latin
aetherius
“Of the ether or heavens; celestial and belonging to the upper atmosphere.”
Middle English
English
ethereal
“Heavenly, celestial, or composed of ether; later also delicate and insubstantial.”
17th–19th Century
English
ethereality
“The state or quality of being ethereal, especially seeming otherworldly, light, or immaterial.”