Ghostly
/ˈɡoʊstli/
Definitions
2 meaningsResembling or characteristic of a ghost; spectral; eerie.
/ˈɡoʊstli/
Resembling or characteristic of a ghost.
The fog created a ghostly appearance over the lake.
💡 Simply: Imagine a spooky, see-through person or thing that makes you feel a little scared or gives you the creeps. Like when a shadow moves in a strange way, or you hear a creak in an old house.
👶 For kids: Something that looks like a ghost! Like a see-through or spooky thing.
More Examples
The ancient castle had a ghostly reputation.
She saw a ghostly image in the mirror.
How It's Used
"The old house had a ghostly atmosphere, filled with cobwebs and shadows."
"A ghostly figure appeared at the end of the hallway, its face pale and indistinct."
"The artist painted a ghostly landscape with ethereal figures floating in the air."
Resembling a spirit or soul; insubstantial.
/ˈɡoʊstli/
Resembling a spirit or soul.
The moonlight cast a ghostly glow over the graveyard.
💡 Simply: Something that reminds you of a ghost, like it's light, not solid, or comes from another world.
👶 For kids: Something that is not solid like a ghost. It is a little see-through or makes you think of ghosts.
More Examples
The sound had a ghostly echo.
The memories of the past had a ghostly presence in her mind.
How It's Used
"The music had a ghostly quality, almost as if it was coming from another world."
"The moonlight cast a ghostly glow upon the snow."
From "ghost" + "-ly". "Ghost" itself comes from Old English "gāst", meaning "spirit" or "soul". The suffix "-ly" turns a noun into an adjective.
The word 'ghostly' has been used in English since at least the 14th century, evolving from earlier uses of the word 'ghost'. It was commonly used to describe apparitions and the supernatural, but it gradually expanded to include more metaphorical applications.
Memory tip
Think of a ghost's appearance – pale, ethereal, and perhaps slightly frightening.
Word Origin
"Related to the concept of spirits, originating from the Old English word 'gāst', meaning 'spirit' or 'soul'."