eerie

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

English (IPA): /ˈɪəri/ (British), /ˈɪri/ (American)

Definitions

• (Adjective): Strange, mysterious, or unsettling in a way that causes fear or unease.
• (Adjective): Supernatural or ghostly in nature, evoking a sense of dread.

Usage Examples

• "The eerie silence of the abandoned house sent shivers down my spine."
• "There was something eerie about the way the fog rolled over the hills."

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "ery" or "eiry," meaning fearful or timid. The word has Scottish origins and was used in Northern England dialects before becoming common in Modern English.

Synonyms

• Uncanny
• Mysterious
• Spooky
• Ghostly
• Ominous

Antonyms

• Comforting
• Familiar
• Ordinary

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈɪəri/
• American English: /ˈɪri/

Historical Usage

"Eerie" was first recorded in Scottish and Northern English dialects. It was originally used to describe feelings of fear and apprehension before evolving to describe mysterious and unsettling atmospheres.

Cultural Nuances

The word "eerie" is often used in horror literature, folklore, and paranormal contexts. It is commonly associated with ghost stories, abandoned places, and supernatural occurrences.

More Information

"Eerie" remains a widely used term in modern English, appearing in literature, movies, and everyday speech. It is frequently employed to describe situations that evoke an inexplicable sense of unease, whether in reality or fiction.