apparition
Une apparition fantomatique traversa la pièce.
A ghostly apparition crossed the room.
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.