magic

The word “magic” means the use of rituals, spells, or supernatural forces believed to influence events or beings beyond normal explanation. In plain terms, supernatural power or spellcraft in stories, or stage illusions performed for entertainment; informally, anything wonderfully impressive.

“Magic” is pronounced MAJIHK (/ˈmæd͡ʒɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “magic” used in a sentence: “In the story, the young sorceress learns magic from an ancient scroll.”

Words with a similar meaning to “magic” include bewitchery, black arts, charmwork, conjuration, conjuring and craft.

Depending on how it is used, “magic” can be a noun and an adjective.

The word “magic” comes from Latin. From Old French magique, from Latin magicus, from Greek magikós, from mágos ("magus"), ultimately from an Old Persian term for a Zoroastrian priest.

“Magic” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Magic” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the use of rituals, spells, or supernatural forces believed to influence events or beings beyond normal explanation.

Magic, in the traditional sense, claims real power to influence events through spells, rituals, or supernatural forces. Illusion, or stage magic, is entertainment: a performer uses sleight of hand, misdirection, and clever props to create effects that only look impossible. One claims genuine supernatural power; the other is skilled, honest trickery.

Traditions vary widely. Folk or ritual magic uses everyday charms and remedies; witchcraft and sorcery involve spells and supernatural power; ceremonial magic follows elaborate rites. People often speak of 'white magic' meant to help and 'black magic' meant to harm. Separately, stage magic is performance illusion rather than supernatural practice.

Magic is the broad idea of influencing events through supernatural means — spells, rituals, and unseen forces. Witchcraft is a specific tradition of practising magic, historically associated with witches and folk belief, often involving charms, potions, and spellwork. So witchcraft is one form of magic, while magic is the wider umbrella term.

There is no scientific evidence that supernatural magic works, yet belief in it appears across nearly every culture and era, woven into folklore, religion, and fiction. It remains powerful as tradition, storytelling, and symbol. Stage magic, by contrast, is entirely real — but it is skilled illusion, not genuine supernatural power.