How to Pronounce Ethereal

To pronounce "ethereal", say ETH-er-eal — 3 syllables, IPA /ɪˈθɪɹiəɫ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

ethereal

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Accent

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Speed

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Syllables

Letters

/ɪˈθɪɹiəɫ/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/iːθˈiəɹɪəl/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “ethereal”

"ethereal" has 3 syllables: eth-er-eal. It rhymes with immaterial and venereal, if that helps it stick.

What does ethereal mean?

adjective

Pertaining to the hypothetical upper, purer air, or to the higher regions beyond the earth or beyond the atmosphere; celestial; otherworldly.
“ethereal space ethereal regions”
Consisting of ether; hence, exceedingly light or airy; tenuous; spiritlike; characterized by extreme delicacy, as form, manner, thought, etc.

Synonyms

ethereous gossamer aereous mystical transcendental etheric etherical

Hear “ethereal” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with ethereal

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

immaterial venereal material arterial antibacterial bacterial managerial biomaterial

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "ethereal"?▾

"Ethereal" has 3 syllables: eth · er · eal.

What is the IPA transcription of "ethereal"?▾

The IPA transcription of "ethereal" is /ɪˈθɪɹiəɫ/.

What does "ethereal" mean?▾

Ethereal: Pertaining to the hypothetical upper, purer air, or to the higher regions beyond the earth or beyond the atmosphere; celestial; otherworldly.

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