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Ethereal

(pronounced ih-theer-ee-ul)  adjective

Definition

1. pertaining to ether or upper regions of space; very light and airy; lacking material nature; intangible.    2. highly refined or delicate.    3. celestial or heavenly; spiritual; not of this world.

Main Example

• Hills and rivers... rain and fog... shorelines and oceans... no, it's not Earth we are talking about, but rather the Saturnian moon Titan. In what is perhaps the most exciting advance in the history of space exploration, the Huygens spacecraft has confirmed that, in addition to an earth-like terrain and an active weather system, Titan is packed with organic chemicals that scientists call "the building blocks of life." This might explain why some of us earthlings have had our heads unusually filled with ethereal thoughts these past few days.

Workplace Examples

• I am not in favor of Guy being named as manager--he is too ethereal. Guy's thoughts and manner of speech are so lofty, like those of a philosopher, he will not be able to bond with the troops.



• Have you noticed that whenever Cindy is around, everyone is on his or her best behavior? I think it's because there is an almost ethereal quality about her. She is so refined . . . and looks so delicate!

Other Examples

• a film about America's most glamorous film stars and fashion models suggesting that they are not the ethereal beings they appear to be, and that their private lives are rooted in reality and pain, just like everyone else's
• at a seminar on urban planning, two speakers presenting entirely different points of view: one talking ethereally, stressing a city layout that satisfies people's spiritual needs and connects with their inner beings; the other emphasizing more tangible issues such as ease of commuting and where to situate theaters and shopping areas
• a prima ballerina whose dancing is awe-inspiring and ethereal; some electronic music that is drifting and ethereal
• despite his substantial ideas, personableness, name recognition, and other credentials, Bill Bradley's presidential campaign in 2000 failing because he was unable to connect with voters who found him to be too ethereal and aloof

© 2005 V.J. Singal

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