What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
celestial
Example
The telescope allows us to observe celestial bodies like stars and planets. [celestial: adjective]
Example
In ancient mythology, the gods resided in the celestial realm. [celestial: noun]
ethereal
Example
The ballerina's performance was ethereal, as if she was floating on air. [ethereal: adjective]
Example
The ethereal beauty of the sunset took my breath away. [ethereal: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ethereal is more commonly used than celestial in everyday language. Ethereal is versatile and can be used in various artistic or descriptive contexts, while celestial is less common and is typically used in scientific or mythological contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between celestial and ethereal?
While celestial is associated with a more formal or technical tone, ethereal has a softer and more poetic connotation, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.