What is the difference, if any, between a ghost and an apparition?

colliwobbles

"ghost" indicates a disembodied soul, while an "apparition" is any visual manifestation of spirit activity http://pensacolaparanormalsociety.com/ghost_vs_apparition.htm Jan 08 13, 12:38 AM

beerslayer

I've always interpreted the word "ghost" to refer strictly to a supernatural humanoid form (outside of highly figurative expressions like "ghost of a chance", of course). "Apparition", on the other hand, has literal meanings that have nothing to do with the supernatural (a comet's appearance in the sky, for example, can be called an "apparition"). One other difference: "Apparition" was a spell used in the Harry Potter series of books/movies. I don't believe there was any spell called "Ghost"! Jan 09 13, 10:18 PM

beerslayer

Sorry, I omitted references. Let's try that again: I've always interpreted the word "ghost" to refer strictly to a supernatural humanoid form (outside of highly figurative expressions like "ghost of a chance", of course). (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost) "Apparition", on the other hand, has literal meanings that have nothing to do with the supernatural (a comet's appearance in the sky, for example, can be called an "apparition"). (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apparition) One other difference: "Apparition" was a spell used in the Harry Potter series of books/movies. I don't believe there was any spell called "Ghost"! (Source: the nearest bookstore that carries the Harry Potter books!) Jan 10 13, 12:55 AM