CultureAugust 15, 2026

apparition

ap-uh-RISH-uhn

Definition

A supernatural appearance of a person or thing, often a ghost or spirit.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'apparere,' meaning 'to appear' or 'to come into sight.' It entered Middle English through Old French to describe the act of becoming visible or a ghostly manifestation.

In the news

Salarrué claimed that his painting 'The White Nun' was inspired by an apparition of a deceased nun he encountered through his invocation of creatures from the astral world.

Salarrué: A Theosophical Artist in El Salvador

Read the full article ↗

Bitter Winter

Related words

aikido

A Japanese martial art that emphasizes using an opponent's own energy and momentum…

Culture

androgynous

Having both male and female characteristics, or being neither clearly masculine nor…

Culture

autochthonous

Indigenous or native to a particular place; originating from the place where it is found.

Culture

dehumanising

The act of depriving a person or group of positive human qualities, often to the point…

Culture

escapist

Relating to or providing a temporary diversion or distraction from unpleasant realities,…

Culture

gatefold

A type of record jacket that opens like a book, revealing multiple panels for expansive…

Culture

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.