adj
otherworldly
uh-thuh-WURLD-lee
Otherworldly (adj) means belonging to, or reminiscent of, a realm beyond the everyday physical world — dreamlike, mystical, or strange. Example: “The aurora cast an otherworldly green glow across the night sky.”
adj
1
Belonging to, or reminiscent of, a realm beyond the everyday physical world — dreamlike, mystical, or strange.
"The aurora cast an otherworldly green glow across the night sky."
"Her singing had an otherworldly quality that gave the audience chills."
2
Focused on spiritual or intellectual matters rather than practical, everyday concerns.
"The monk led a quiet, otherworldly existence, detached from ordinary ambitions."
How to use otherworldly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStrange or beautiful in a way that feels like it belongs to another realm, not the ordinary world.
Common pairings
otherworldly beauty
otherworldly glow
otherworldly experience
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more otherworldly
- Superlative
- most otherworldly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The aurora cast an _____ green glow across the night sky.
Etymology
A compound of "other world" (a realm beyond the ordinary or beyond death) and the adjective-forming suffix "-ly."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for otherworldly
See all rhymes for otherworldly →Frequently asked questions
What does “otherworldly” mean?
The word “otherworldly” means belonging to, or reminiscent of, a realm beyond the everyday physical world — dreamlike, mystical, or strange. In plain terms, strange or beautiful in a way that feels like it belongs to another realm, not the ordinary world.
How do you pronounce “otherworldly”?
“Otherworldly” is pronounced uh-thuh-WURLD-lee (/ˌʌðəɹˈwɜɹl(d)li/ in IPA).
How do you use “otherworldly” in a sentence?
Here is “otherworldly” used in a sentence: “The aurora cast an otherworldly green glow across the night sky.”
What part of speech is “otherworldly”?
“Otherworldly” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “otherworldly” have?
“Otherworldly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: belonging to, or reminiscent of, a realm beyond the everyday physical world — dreamlike, mystical, or strange.
