Nelson-Denny Practice Test

The word "ethereal" is best described as delicate and exquisite because it conveys a sense of lightness, otherworldliness, and beauty that is often associated with things that are insubstantial or fleeting, like the qualities of the sky or celestial beings. This connotation aligns with interpretations of beauty that are fragile and airy, contrasting strongly with heavier or more mundane descriptors.

When considering the other options, the implications of being heavy and cumbersome suggest a solid, weighty presence, which disregards the essence of "ethereal." Similarly, dark and gloomy does not resonate with the bright, airy qualities that "ethereal" embodies. Lastly, describing something as common and ordinary fails to capture the exceptional nature that "ethereal" suggests, as it typically refers to something more refined and extraordinary. Thus, "delicate and exquisite" accurately encapsulates the nuance of the word "ethereal."