What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dreamy
Example
She had a dreamy look on her face as she gazed out the window. [dreamy: adjective]
Example
The movie had a dreamy quality to it, with its soft lighting and romantic music. [dreamy: adjective]
ethereal
Example
The ballerina moved across the stage with an ethereal grace. [ethereal: adjective]
Example
The sunset had an ethereal quality to it, with its pink and purple hues. [ethereal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dreamy is more commonly used than ethereal in everyday language, and is often used to describe a romantic or whimsical atmosphere. Ethereal is less common but has a more profound and spiritual connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dreamy and ethereal?
Ethereal is more formal than dreamy, and is often used in poetic or literary contexts. Dreamy is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.