Ariel vs. Aerial: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 28, 2023
"Ariel" is often a proper name or a literary character, like the spirit in Shakespeare's "The Tempest." "Aerial" relates to the air or sky, often used to describe maneuvers or perspectives from above.
Key Differences
"Ariel" and "Aerial" are two terms that are easily confused due to their phonetic similarity, but their meanings are quite distinct. "Ariel" is often a proper name, used both for people and sometimes for entities like companies or even motorcycles. It is also the name of a spirit in Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," who has the power of air but is not, in himself, an aerial being.
"Aerial," on the other hand, is an adjective that pertains to the air, sky, or atmosphere. It can describe things like maneuvers performed in the air (e.g., aerial stunts) or views from above (e.g., aerial photography). The term has nothing to do with personal names or literary characters and is firmly grounded in describing something related to air or height.
From a grammatical standpoint, "Ariel" is primarily used as a proper noun, although it can also be a common noun in specific contexts, like the name of a type of motorcycle. "Aerial" is an adjective that can be converted into a noun when talking about specific aerial things, like aerials on a car for radio reception.
In cultural references, "Ariel" can be seen in literature, religious texts, and brand names, and it has a personalized aspect. "Aerial," meanwhile, is more generic and descriptive, often used in technical, artistic, or athletic contexts to describe anything that involves the air or high places. It's not used as a proper name or to identify individual entities.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Proper noun, Common noun in specific contexts
Adjective, Noun in specific contexts
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Meaning
Name or character
Relating to the air or sky
Example Usage
In literature, names
In technical or athletic description
Grammatical Forms
Primarily a noun
Primarily an adjective
Associated With
Individuals, brands
Generic descriptions
Ariel and Aerial Definitions
Ariel
A common first name.
Ariel was excited for her first day of school.
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Aerial
Pertaining to the air or atmosphere.
He captured some stunning aerial photographs.
Ariel
A spirit character in Shakespeare's "The Tempest."
Ariel is a servant to Prospero in the play.
Aerial
Executed or occurring in the air.
The gymnast performed an amazing aerial flip.
Ariel
A brand or model name.
He rode his Ariel motorcycle through the countryside.
Aerial
Related to aircraft or aviation.
He specialized in aerial warfare strategies.
Ariel
A biblical name.
Ariel is mentioned in the book of Isaiah.
Aerial
Of, in, or caused by the air.
Ariel
A moon of Uranus.
Ariel is one of the moons that orbits Uranus.
Aerial
Existing or living in the air.
Ariel
A satellite of Uranus.
Aerial
Reaching high into the air; lofty.
Ariel
A variety of the gazelle (Antilope dorcas, or Gazella, dorcas), found in Arabia and adjacent countries.
Aerial
Suggestive of air, as in lightness; airy.
Ariel
In the Cabala, a water spirit; in later folklore, a light and graceful spirit of the air.
Aerial
Unsubstantial; imaginary.
Aerial
Of, for, or by means of aircraft
Aerial photography.
Aerial
(Botany) Growing or borne above the ground or water
Aerial roots.
Aerial
A radio antenna, especially one suspended in or extending into the air.
Aerial
An acrobatic maneuver performed in midair, as in skateboarding.
Aerial
A flip in which the body turns over sideways with the arms and legs spread similar to a cartwheel.
Aerial
Living or taking place in the air.
The seabirds put on an astonishing aerial display.
Aerial
Made up of air or gas; gaseous.
Aerial
Positioned high up; elevated.
The aerial photographs clearly showed the damage caused by the storm.
Aerial
Ethereal, insubstantial; imaginary.
Aerial
Pertaining to the air or atmosphere; atmospheric.
Aerial
(aviation) Pertaining to a vehicle which travels through the air; airborne; relating to or conducted by means of aircraft.
Aerial
(botany) Above the ground
Aerial
A rod, wire, or other structure for receiving or transmitting radio, television signals etc.
Aerial
A move, as in dancing or skateboarding, involving one or both feet leaving the ground.
Aerial
(photography) An aerial photograph.
Aerial
Of or pertaining to the air, or atmosphere; inhabiting or frequenting the air; produced by or found in the air; performed in the air; as, aërial regions or currents; the aërial maneuvers of a fighter plane.
Aerial
Consisting of air; resembling, or partaking of the nature of air. Hence: Unsubstantial; unreal.
Aerial
Rising aloft in air; high; lofty; as, aërial spires.
Aerial
Growing, forming, living, or existing in the air, as opposed to growing or existing in earth or water, or underground; as, aërial rootlets, aërial plants; the aerial roots of a philodendron.
Aerial
Light as air; ethereal.
Aerial
Operating or operated overhead especially on elevated cables.
Aerial
Operating or moving in the air.
Aerial
A pass to a receiver downfield from the passer.
Aerial
A metallic wire, rod, or combination of rods connected to an electronic device, designed to send or receive radio or television signals.
Aerial
A pass to a receiver downfield from the passer
Aerial
An electrical device that sends or receives radio or television signals
Aerial
In or belonging to the air or operating (for or by means of aircraft or elevated cables) in the air;
Aerial particles
Small aerial creatures such as butterflies
Aerial warfare
Aerial photography
Aerial cable cars
Aerial
Growing in air;
Aerial roots of a philodendron
Aerial
Characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; as impalpable or intangible as air;
Figures light and aeriform come unlooked for and melt away
Aerial fancies
An airy apparition
Physical rather than ethereal forms
Aerial
A type of antenna.
I adjusted the car's aerial for better radio reception.
Aerial
Elevated or lofty.
He had an aerial view of the city from the tower.
FAQs
What does Ariel mean?
Ariel can be a proper name, a literary character, or a brand name.
Is Ariel a noun?
Yes, Ariel is primarily a proper noun but can be a common noun in specific contexts.
What does Aerial mean?
Aerial relates to the air, sky, or something executed in the air.
Is Aerial a noun?
Aerial is primarily an adjective but can be a noun in specific contexts, like an aerial for radio reception.
Can Ariel be a brand name?
Yes, Ariel can be a brand name, such as for motorcycles.
Is Ariel found in literature?
Yes, notably in Shakespeare's "The Tempest."
Can Ariel be a place?
Rarely, it's more commonly used as a name or brand.
Is Ariel used in biblical texts?
Yes, it appears in the book of Isaiah.
Can Aerial be an antenna?
Yes, it can refer to a type of antenna for radio reception.
Is Aerial related to aviation?
Yes, it can describe aircraft or aerial combat.
Is Aerial a generic term?
Yes, it is more descriptive and generic.
Are Ariel and Aerial interchangeable?
No, they have different meanings and usages.
Can Aerial describe photography?
Yes, aerial photography captures views from above.
Is Aerial used in sports?
Yes, such as in gymnastics or aerial skiing.
Is Ariel associated with individuality?
Yes, it's often used to identify individual entities or characters.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
