What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bodyless
Example
Ghosts are often depicted as bodyless spirits. [bodyless: adjective]
Example
In virtual reality, you can have a bodyless experience. [bodyless: noun]
ethereal
Example
The ballerina moved across the stage with an ethereal grace. [ethereal: adjective]
Example
The sunset painted the sky in ethereal colors. [ethereal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ethereal is more commonly used than bodyless in everyday language. Ethereal has a broader range of applications and can be used to describe various qualities or appearances, while bodyless is more specific and limited to contexts related to the absence of a physical body.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bodyless and ethereal?
While both bodyless and ethereal can be used in formal and informal contexts, ethereal has a more poetic and mystical connotation, making it slightly more formal in tone compared to bodyless.