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adj Uncommon

mystic

MIHS-tihk

Mystic (adj) means relating to spiritual or supernatural experiences beyond ordinary understanding. Example: “The temple had a mystic quality that drew pilgrims from far away.”

adj
1
Relating to spiritual or supernatural experiences beyond ordinary understanding.
"The temple had a mystic quality that drew pilgrims from far away."
noun
1
A person who seeks direct spiritual experience or hidden truth beyond everyday reason.
"The old mystic spent decades meditating in the mountains."

How to use mystic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo do with hidden spiritual truths, or a person devoted to seeking them.

Easily confused with

Word forms

mystical adjective, mystical adjective, more mystic comparative, mystics plural, most mystic superlative

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Test yourself on “mystic” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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The temple had a _____ quality that drew pilgrims from far away.

Etymology

From Old French mistique, from Latin mysticus, from Ancient Greek mystikos ("secret, mystic").

Origin: Ancient Greek

Related words

Rhymes for mystic

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Frequently asked questions

What does “mystic” mean?

The word “mystic” means relating to spiritual or supernatural experiences beyond ordinary understanding. In plain terms, to do with hidden spiritual truths, or a person devoted to seeking them.

How do you pronounce “mystic”?

“Mystic” is pronounced MIHS-tihk (/ˈmɪstɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “mystic” in a sentence?

Here is “mystic” used in a sentence: “The temple had a mystic quality that drew pilgrims from far away.”

What part of speech is “mystic”?

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

Where does the word “mystic” come from?

The word “mystic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old French mistique, from Latin mysticus, from Ancient Greek mystikos ("secret, mystic").

Is “mystic” a common word?

“Mystic” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “mystic” have?

“Mystic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to spiritual or supernatural experiences beyond ordinary understanding.

What is the difference between mystic and mystical?

"Mystic" is most often used as a noun referring to a person who seeks direct spiritual experience or hidden truth beyond everyday reason, though it can also function as an adjective. "Mystical," by contrast, is used almost exclusively as an adjective to describe something relating to spiritual experience beyond normal understanding.

What does it mean to call someone a mystic?

Calling someone a mystic means they are seen as a person who seeks direct spiritual experience or hidden truth that goes beyond ordinary reason or everyday understanding. The term is often applied to religious or spiritual figures associated with contemplative or visionary practices.

When is mystic used as an adjective?

As an adjective, "mystic" describes something relating to spiritual or supernatural experiences beyond ordinary understanding, as in "mystic rituals" or "mystic visions." This usage overlaps closely with "mystical" but is somewhat less common as a modifier.

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