WordGarden.iootherworldly
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈʌðəwˌɜːldli/
US
- /ˈəðərˈwɜrldli/
Meanings
Adjective
strange, beautiful, or impressive in a way that seems beyond ordinary life
belonging to or suggesting a supernatural, spiritual, or non-earthly realm
Beyond the definition
Something otherworldly feels as if it does not fully belong to the normal world. It seems strange, magical, spiritual, or so beautiful and unusual that it feels beyond everyday life. Think of the northern lights, a voice that sounds almost unreal, or a place that feels like it came from a dream.
The word is often used for beauty, sounds, places, and experiences that fill people with wonder. You might talk about an otherworldly glow, an otherworldly silence, or an otherworldly landscape. It usually suggests awe and mystery, not just something odd.
The word otherworldly describes something that seems beyond the ordinary world. It may feel supernatural, heavenly, dreamlike, or simply so unusual and beautiful that it does not seem fully real. When people use this word, they are often trying to express a mix of wonder, mystery, and distance from everyday life.
It is commonly used for visual beauty, especially when that beauty feels strange or almost unreal. Someone may describe an otherworldly face, glow, or landscape. It can also be used for sound: a singer's voice, a piece of music, or even a deep silence can feel otherworldly if it seems to come from somewhere beyond normal human experience.
The word does not always mean literal magic or spirits, though it can. Very often, it simply means "so unusual that it feels like it belongs to another realm." That is why people use it for dreams, works of art, natural scenes, religious experiences, and moments of intense emotion. A snowy mountain at sunrise, the colors of the aurora, or a calm church filled with light might all be called otherworldly.
In tone, otherworldly is usually positive or full of awe, though it can sometimes sound eerie. It suggests that something reaches past the familiar world and touches the unknown. If a person, place, sound, or feeling seems to come from beyond ordinary life, otherworldly is a natural word for it.
Examples
- 1
Natural light
The northern lights gave the sky an otherworldly glow.
- 2
Landscape
At sunrise, the empty desert felt otherworldly.
- 3
Voice
The singer's voice had an otherworldly quality that made the room go quiet.
- 4
Film atmosphere
The film creates an otherworldly atmosphere with slow music and pale blue light.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Personal calm
Even in the crowded station, she had an otherworldly calm.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- otherworldlyadjective