apparitions
|ap-pa-ri-tions|
🇺🇸
/ˌæpəˈrɪʃənz/
🇬🇧
/ˌæpəˈrɪʃ(ə)nz/
(apparition)
ghostly figure
Etymology
'apparition' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'apparitio', where 'ad-' (or 'ap-') meant 'to' and 'parere' meant 'to appear/come into view'.
'apparition' changed from Latin 'apparitio' into Old French 'apparition' and was adopted into Middle English as 'apparition', eventually becoming the modern English word 'apparition'.
Initially it meant 'an appearance or attendance', but over time it acquired a more specialized sense of 'a ghostly or supernatural appearance' while still retaining the general sense 'an appearance'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a ghostly figure; a supernatural appearance of a person or thing.
Several apparitions were reported in the old mansion last night.
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Noun 2
an unexpected or notable appearance of something (not necessarily supernatural).
The apparitions of new shops along the street changed the neighborhood's character.
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Last updated: 2025/09/23 16:10