Ariel vs. Aerial — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
Ariel is a name or a character, often linked to Shakespeare's "The Tempest" or a brand. Aerial relates to air or antennas.
Difference Between Ariel and Aerial
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ariel is most commonly recognized as a character from Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest." In this work, Ariel is a sprightly spirit who serves the magician, Prospero. Aerial, in contrast, pertains to something related to the air, the atmosphere, or something that operates overhead.
Another notable reference to Ariel is as a brand, such as the Ariel motorcycle or the washing detergent. On the other hand, Aerial often finds its application in technology, such as referring to an antenna that receives or transmits signals, especially for radio or television.
While Ariel serves as a proper noun in literature and branding contexts, Aerial is an adjective. This means Ariel is often capitalized, especially when referring to specific names or titles, whereas Aerial isn't unless it starts a sentence.
It's essential to understand the contexts in which Ariel and Aerial are used to prevent confusion. For instance, an Ariel bike has nothing to do with flying or air, but an aerial drone certainly does.
Both words, Ariel and Aerial, sound similar, making it easy for them to be misused interchangeably. However, their meanings and applications are distinct, emphasizing the importance of their correct usage.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Name or character
Adjective relating to air
Usage
Often used in literature or branding
Commonly associated with technology, like antennas
Grammar
Typically a proper noun
Typically an adjective or noun
Capitalization
Usually capitalized
Usually not capitalized unless it's the start of a sentence
Example Context
Shakespeare's plays, brands
Antennas, relating to air or atmosphere
Compare with Definitions
Ariel
A spirit in Shakespeare's "The Tempest."
In The Tempest, Ariel was bound to serve Prospero.
Aerial
An antenna, especially for radio or television.
The old radio still had its original aerial.
Ariel
A brand name for various products.
Ariel is a popular detergent brand.
Aerial
Performed in the air or from the air.
Aerial photography provides a bird's-eye view.
Ariel
A British motorcycle manufacturer.
The Ariel Square Four is a classic motorcycle.
Aerial
Existing, happening, or operating in the air
An aerial battle
An intrepid aerial adventurer
Ariel
A name of Hebrew origin.
Ariel is a popular name in many countries.
Aerial
A rod, wire, or other structure by which signals are transmitted or received as part of a radio or television transmission or receiving system.
Ariel
A lunar crater.
The Ariel crater can be found on the moon's surface.
Aerial
A type of freestyle skiing in which the skier jumps from a ramp and carries out manoeuvres in the air.
Ariel
A satellite of Uranus.
Aerial
Of, in, or caused by the air.
Ariel
A variety of the gazelle (Antilope dorcas, or Gazella, dorcas), found in Arabia and adjacent countries.
Aerial
Existing or living in the air.
Ariel
In the Cabala, a water spirit; in later folklore, a light and graceful spirit of the air.
Aerial
Reaching high into the air; lofty.
Aerial
Suggestive of air, as in lightness; airy.
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
Related to the air or atmosphere.
Birds have aerial adaptions for flight.
Aerial
Existing or operating in the air.
The aerial maneuvers of the fighter jets were impressive.
Aerial
Resembling or suggesting air.
The dancer's aerial grace was mesmerizing.
Common Curiosities
Is Ariel always related to "The Tempest"?
No, Ariel can also be a brand, a name, or refer to other entities.
Can Ariel be a common noun?
While Ariel is typically a proper noun, its context can sometimes make it common, like referring generically to a type of motorcycle.
Why is Ariel often capitalized?
Because it's usually a proper noun, referring to a specific name or brand.
Is an aerial drone related to antennas?
Not necessarily. While both relate to "air," a drone flies, and an aerial can be an antenna.
Can Ariel refer to a location?
Yes, like the Ariel crater on the moon.
Does aerial always refer to something flying?
No, it relates to air, but it can also mean an antenna.
Can Aerial relate to radio?
Yes, as it can refer to an antenna that receives/transmits radio signals.
How is Aerial used in the context of photography?
Aerial photography refers to images taken from an elevated position, often from aircraft.
Are there any products named Aerial?
Not as famously as Ariel, but it's possible given the broad use of language.
Is Ariel a male or female name?
It can be both, but traditionally, it's a male name in Hebrew.
Does an aerial view mean a view from a plane?
Not necessarily; it means a view from above, which can be from a drone, building, or other elevated positions.
Are the words Ariel and Aerial homophones?
They sound similar but have distinct meanings and usages.
Is it correct to say "Aerial spirit"?
While "aerial" relates to air, using it for spirits might cause confusion with Shakespeare's Ariel.
Is there an Ariel brand for bikes?
Yes, Ariel is a British motorcycle manufacturer.
What's a common mistake with Ariel and Aerial?
People often misuse them due to their similar sound.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
