fairy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fairy" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in discussions about folklore, fantasy, or as a term in various cultural references. Example: "The children were captivated by the story of the fairy who granted wishes to those with pure hearts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

In Cappadocia, the thrill of hurtling along a trail on two wheels is amplified by its otherworldly landscape of rock pillars, known as "fairy chimneys", many reaching more than 40 metres high, as well as its cave houses and ancient Byzantine churches.

The Guardian - Travel

The lights are low and atmospheric, fairy lights blink around a bar stacked with wine bottles.

The Guardian - Travel

Since all it takes for evil to prevail is one good seven-year-old to do nothing, I continued to crack the case wide open: "And what about the tooth fairy?" I got up to tell my sister, but was waylaid by an adult offering me chocolate cake in exchange for my silence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is it perhaps because in many bookshops poetry is likely to be found under signs which say "Fairy Tales and Gifts", "Jokes", "Rhymes and Giggles" and "Hobbies"?

The Guardian

(Actually I'll be ok, whatever happens, as long as that hippy fairy from the UK doesn't steal this thing. That would be a gross miscarriage of justice).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

#eurovision pic.twitter.com/Vfm3ADz1TJ Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 10.17pm AEST13 17 The Danish fairy who won last year is back showing Molly how to do hippy fairy properly – although there has been a strange moment where the lip sync appeared to lapse into actual singing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Where do I party For drinks in the Jewellery Quarter, the Rose Villa Tavern is a creative take on the classic pub, with Victorian stained-glass windows and green tiling offset by madcap touches such as fairy-lit tree branches, antler chandeliers and a red phone box.

The Guardian - Travel

Have the goat work for your prosperity,'" says Mr Dabrowski.So the council did and the town is now home to the country's first fairy-tale museum (pictured).

The Economist

He is immortalised in statues, in films and in print as a children's fairy-tale hero.

The Economist

Tourism New Zealand's decision to host the fairy-tale wedding of Yao Chen, an actress with 66m followers on Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter, in Queenstown in 2012 was rewarded with 40m posts and comments on discussion forums, 7,000 news articles and a surge in interest from Chinese lovebirds.

The Economist

American officials responded that the Europeans were game-playing hypocrites, and that Mr Bush had done no more than the little boy in the fairy-tale who pointed out that the emperor had no clothes: Kyoto, they claimed, was naked anyway.Since then, tempers have cooled.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the connotations associated with "fairy" in different contexts. In some cases, it can refer to a mythical creature, while in others, it can be used in a derogatory way. Ensure your usage aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "fairy" in overly sentimental or cliché ways. While it can evoke a sense of wonder and magic, overuse can weaken its impact. Strive for originality and specificity in your descriptions to avoid tired tropes.

Linguistic Context

The word "fairy" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a mythical being with magical powers or, more broadly, to the realm of enchantment. The Ludwig AI confirms this by listing definitions centered around mythical beings and enchantment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "fairy" is a versatile term, primarily functioning as a noun that evokes a sense of magic, wonder, and fantasy. Ludwig AI underscores its core meaning as related to mythical beings and enchantment. While its usage spans from informal storytelling to more neutral media contexts, it's crucial to be aware of potential derogatory connotations, especially in historical contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, in contemporary writing, "fairy" is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When employing this term, a writer should be mindful of its connotations and strive for originality to effectively convey the desired sense of magic and wonder.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faerie

An archaic term referring to the realm of fairies or to fairies collectively.

sprite

Refers to a mythical being, often smaller and more playful than a fairy.

pixie

Suggests a small, mischievous fairy or sprite.

elf

Implies a creature of folklore, often associated with magical abilities and forests.

magical being

A broader term encompassing any creature with supernatural abilities, including fairies.

fey

Captures a sense of being enchanted, whimsical, or otherworldly, like a fairy.

mythical creature

A creature that exists only in myths and legends, which can include fairies.

wood nymph

A mythological spirit of nature, often associated with forests and streams, similar to a fairy in its connection to nature.

otherworldly being

Describes a being not of this world, often possessing unique or magical qualities, aligning with the mystical nature of fairies.

enchantress

A woman with magical powers, often associated with spells and charms, like a fairy godmother.

FAQs

How can I use "fairy" in a sentence?

You can use "fairy" to describe a mythical creature with magical powers, as in "The children believed in the "tooth fairy"" or to describe something enchanting or whimsical, as in "The garden had a "fairy tale" atmosphere".

What are some synonyms for "fairy"?

Synonyms for "fairy" include "sprite", "elf", "pixie", and "faerie", depending on the specific context and nuances you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "fairy" to describe a male homosexual?

While "fairy" has historically been used as a derogatory term for a male homosexual, particularly one who is effeminate, it is now considered offensive and should be avoided. Use respectful and appropriate language instead.

What is the difference between a "fairy" and a "faerie"?

"Fairy" and "faerie" are often used interchangeably, but "faerie" can also refer specifically to the realm of fairies or to fairies collectively. Some writers use "faerie" to evoke a more archaic or mystical feel.