Word
celestial
Phoneticsce·les·tial, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈɫɛstʃəɫ/
UK/səlˈɛstjəl/
Definitions
01astronomical
C1 · Advanced Science Formal
adj. relating to the sky or outer space, especially the stars and planets.
adj. pertaining to the sky or visible heaven; relating to the sun, moon, stars, and planets as astronomical objects.
“Ancient sailors used celestial bodies like the North Star to find their way at sea.”
“The observatory provides an unobstructed view of various celestial phenomena, including meteor showers and planetary alignments.”
Usage
Often used in technical phrases like 'celestial body' or 'celestial navigation'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02heavenly or divine
C1 · Advanced Religion Literary
adj. related to heaven or a god; extremely beautiful or holy.
adj. belonging or relating to heaven; divine or supremely good.
“The choir's voices had a celestial quality that filled the cathedral.”
“The poet describes the goddess descending from her celestial throne to intervene in the affairs of mortals.”
03a heavenly being
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Religion Literary · Archaic
n. a being that lives in heaven, such as an angel.
n. an inhabitant of heaven or the spiritual realm.
“In the old story, celestials looked down from the clouds to watch over the city.”
“The epic poem depicts a war between the celestials and the fallen spirits for control of the higher realms.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“But as the phenomenon progressed, cloud in some areas cleared at least partially, offering glimpses of the rare celestial event.” “The group’s focus, rather than being for an illicit substance, was for the much-coveted eclipse glasses, which have prompted a frantic rush on shops before the celestial event.” “Hopes of catching the best view are fading in parts of Scotland as clouds threaten to hide the celestial event.” “There will be dozens of celestial events to mark the occasion across the country and ideal spots where people should be able to watch the moment safely.” Etymology
From Middle English celestial, from Old French celestial, from Medieval Latin caelestialis, from Latin caelestis, from caelum (“sky, heaven”). The meanings related to East Asia come from Celestial Empire, a former name of China.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/celestial