apparition
/a.pa.ʁi.sjɔ̃/A ghostly or supernatural appearance, often of a spirit or deceased person.
Les légendes racontent l'apparition d'un fantôme dans le vieux château.
Legends tell of a ghost's apparition in the old castle.
Often used in literature and folklore to describe supernatural sightings.
A sudden or unexpected appearance of something or someone.
L'apparition soudaine de la police a surpris les voleurs.
The sudden appearance of the police surprised the thieves.
Can also refer to a sudden manifestation in a non-supernatural context.
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💡Pro Tip
Supernatural vs. Literal
While 'apparition' often implies something ghostly, it can also describe any sudden appearance in a non-supernatural context.
⚡Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'apparition' depends heavily on context—literary works favor the supernatural sense, while general usage leans toward sudden appearances.
📖Word Origin
From Latin 'apparitio', meaning 'appearance' or 'manifestation'.
📝Usage Notes
In modern usage, 'apparition' often retains a supernatural connotation but can also describe any sudden or unexpected appearance.