I was describing an amorphous role that I’ve been playing I wanted to use a derivative of the root ether-, but I needed to glance at the distinctions between definitions. What I read affirmed that I wanted the former, not the latter:
etheric (adjective)
- of or relating to the chemical ether.
- of or relating to ether, a substance believed by the ancients to fill the upper regions of space.
- Physics. of or relating to ether, a hypothetical substance postulated to occupy all space.
- of or relating to the heavens or a spiritual world or plane of existence.
- of or relating to a person’s aura, a quality of atmosphere seen as emanating from someone.
- rare.
ethereal (adjective)
- light, airy, or tenuous.
- extremely delicate or refined.
- heavenly or celestial.
- of or relating to the upper regions of space.
- Chemistry. pertaining to, containing, or resembling ether.
I was describing something that pervades the air that we breathe, as well as invoking ancestors and spirits and other unseen beings, many of whom may have been ancestors. I suppose much of this could also qualify as extremely delicate and heavenly. But the invoking of the upper stratosphere intrigues me. As does the distinction between Physics in the 3rd definition and Chemistry in the 5th definition, which I still don’t know what to make of.
Tracy K. Smith describes (page 93 of To Free the Captives) the omnipresence surrounding us above as:
Birdsong carries the thought up so that it hovers in the air around me. It is a small thing to launch a thought into space. But to feel it met and lifted by another living thing? To hear it ride and spread until the whole yard sings it back? I am elated. I ring like a cicada.
washing dishes: a father’s glimpses 