What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Spectral vs Ghastly - What's the difference?

spectral | ghastly | Related terms |

As adjectives the difference between spectral and ghastly

is that spectral is having the appearance of a spectre; ghostly while ghastly is like a ghost in appearance; deathlike; pale; pallid; dismal.

As an adverb ghastly is

in a ghastly manner.

spectral

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having the appearance of a spectre; ghostly.
    • The spectral chain-rattling and moans gave me the chills.
    A spectral spirit returns from its grave to haunt the house.
  • Of, or pertaining to, spectres.
  • Of, or pertaining to, spectra.

    • Derived terms

    * hyperspectral * (l)

    Anagrams

    * ----

    ghastly

    English

    Adjective

    (er)
  • Like a ghost in appearance; deathlike; pale; pallid; dismal.
  • *(Samuel Taylor Coleridge) (1772-1834)
  • *:Each turned his face with a ghastly pang.
  • * (1800-1859)
  • *:His face was so ghastly that it could scarcely be recognized.
  • Horrifyingly shocking.
  • *(John Milton) (1608-1674)
  • *:Mangled with ghastly wounds through plate and mail.
  • *
  • *:They burned the old gun that used to stand in the dark corner up in the garret, close to the stuffed fox that always grinned so fiercely. Perhaps the reason why he seemed in such a ghastly rage was that he did not come by his death fairly. Otherwise his pelt would not have been so perfect. And why else was he put away up there out of sight?—and so magnificent a brush as he had too.
  • Extremely bad.
  • :

    • Synonyms

    * lurid

    Adverb

    (-)
  • In a ghastly manner.
    • He turned ghastly pale on hearing the news.