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ghostly

adjective

/ˈgoʊst li/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of ghostly

Pertains to or resembling a ghost.
"The moon cast a ghostly glow over the deserted graveyard."

Detailed meaning of ghostly

It evokes a sense of the supernatural, the eerie, or the otherworldly. When used to describe an object, scene, or atmosphere, "ghostly" suggests a quality that is ethereal, spectral, or haunting. It conjures images of pale, translucent figures, mysterious apparitions, or a feeling of being surrounded by an unseen presence. The word "ghostly" often implies a certain intangibility, as if the subject is transient, elusive, or existing between realms. It can convey a sense of unease, fascination, or wonder, as if one is caught between the realms of the living and the dead.

Example sentences containing ghostly

1. As I walked through the abandoned house, I felt a ghostly presence.
2. The eerie silence was broken only by the ghostly whispers that echoed through the old hallways.
3. A cold wind blew through the forest, creating a ghostly wail in the trees.
4. The fog rolled in, enveloping the city in a ghostly shroud.
5. The abandoned ship stood on the shore, a ghostly reminder of its former glory.
6. In the dim light, the statues in the ancient temple took on a ghostly appearance.

History and etymology of ghostly

The adjective 'ghostly' is derived from the word 'ghost,' which has its etymological origins in Old English as 'gást.' 'Gást' referred to the soul, spirit, or breath of a person or creature. Over time, 'ghost' came to be associated with the supernatural and the spirits of the deceased, especially in the context of folklore and mythology. 'Ghostly,' as an adjective, is formed by adding the suffix '-ly' to 'ghost,' and it pertains to or resembles a ghost. It is used to describe things that evoke the eerie or spectral qualities often associated with apparitions and the world of the afterlife. The etymology of 'ghostly' underscores its direct connection to the concept of ghosts and spirits, making it a word that conveys an otherworldly and mysterious quality.

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Further usage examples of ghostly

1. The old photograph revealed a ghostly figure standing in the background.
2. The haunted mansion had an air of ghostly mystery that attracted thrill-seekers.
3. She claimed to have seen a ghostly figure floating above her bed in the middle of the night.
4. The ghostly footsteps echoed through the empty corridor, sending shivers down my spine.
5. The abandoned carnival rides stood still and silent, their colors faded and their presence ghostly.
6. The moon cast a ghostly glow on the eerie graveyard.
7. Her ghostly presence sent shivers down my spine.
8. Fog enveloped the forest in a ghostly embrace.
9. The abandoned mansion had a ghostly aura about it.
10. Shadows danced in the ghostly light of the old lantern.
11. A ghostly figure appeared at the foot of the bed.
12. The haunting melody had a ghostly, ethereal quality.
13. The ghostly ship sailed silently through the mist.
14. In the attic, I found a box of ghostly old photographs.
15. The ghostly moans echoed through the haunted house.
16. The night was filled with the sound of ghostly whispers.
17. The pale, ghostly face stared back from the mirror.
18. The forest at dusk had a ghostly, otherworldly beauty.
19. The ghostly fog concealed the secrets of the swamp.
20. A ghostly chill crept down my spine in the darkness.
21. The ghostly apparition vanished into thin air.
22. Moonlight cast a ghostly pallor on the deserted street.
23. The old, decaying mansion had a ghostly ambiance.
24. A ghostly handprint appeared on the dusty window.
25. In the graveyard, tombstones stood like ghostly sentinels.