apparition

/,æpə'riʃn/

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Word: Apparition

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: An "apparition" is something that appears suddenly or unexpectedly. It often refers to a ghostly figure or spirit that people see, especially in stories or legends.

Explanation:

When we talk about an "apparition," we usually mean something that is surprising or strange, like seeing a ghost or a mysterious figure. It can also be used more generally to describe any surprising appearance.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "apparition" when you want to describe something that shows up suddenly and unexpectedly.
• It is often used in stories, movies, or discussions about supernatural events (like ghosts).

Examples:

1. "The villagers were frightened by the apparition of a ghostly figure in the old castle."
2. "During the night, an apparition appeared at the window, sending chills down my spine."
3. "The apparition of the white stranger left everyone in shock."

Advanced Usage:

• "Apparition" can be used in artistic or poetic contexts to create a mysterious or eerie atmosphere.
• In literature, it often symbolizes something that is not fully understood or that represents a deeper meaning.

Word Variants:

• Apparitional (adjective): Relating to or resembling an apparition. For example: "She had an apparitional glow about her in the dim light."
• Apparitionality (noun): The quality of being an apparition.

Different Meanings:

1. In Literature: Refers to a character or figure that symbolizes something beyond the physical world.
2. In Everyday Usage: Can mean any sudden or unexpected appearance, such as an idea or a realization.

Synonyms:

• Ghost
• Spirit
• Phantom
• Specter
• Vision
• Illusion

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "apparition," but you might encounter phrases like:
  • "Seeing things" - which means perceiving something that isn't really there, similar to seeing an apparition.

Summary:

An "apparition" is a surprising appearance that often refers to ghostly figures. It is used in spooky tales and can symbolize deeper meanings in literature.

Academic

Noun

1. an act of appearing or becoming visible unexpectedly
   • natives were amazed at the apparition of this white stranger
2. something existing in perception only
   • a ghostly apparition at midnight
3. the appearance of a ghostlike figure
   • I was recalled to the present by the apparition of a frightening specter
4. a ghostly appearing figure
   • we were unprepared for the apparition that confronted us

Synonyms

• phantom
• phantasm
• phantasma
• fantasm
• shadow
• specter
• spectre