What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ethereal
Example
The dancer moved with an ethereal grace. [ethereal: adjective]
Example
The ethereal beauty of the sunset left us speechless. [ethereal: adjective]
celestial
Example
The celestial bodies in the night sky are a wonder to behold. [celestial: adjective]
Example
The choir's voices sounded like celestial music. [celestial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Celestial is more commonly used than ethereal in everyday language. Celestial has a wider range of applications and can be used in various contexts, while ethereal is less common and is usually reserved for more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ethereal and celestial?
Both ethereal and celestial are formal words that are often used in poetic or literary contexts. However, celestial may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with religion and spirituality.