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adj Uncommon

mystical

MIHS-tih-kuhl

Mystical (adj) means relating to mysticism or spiritual experience beyond normal understanding. Example: “The ceremony had a mystical significance for the community.”

adj
1
Relating to mysticism or spiritual experience beyond normal understanding.
"The ceremony had a mystical significance for the community."
"She described a mystical experience during her meditation retreat."
2
Inspiring a sense of wonder, awe, or spiritual mystery.
"The northern lights created a mystical glow over the fjord."

How to use mystical

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving a spiritual or magical quality that goes beyond ordinary explanation.

Common pairings
mystical experience mystical powers

Word forms

more mystical comparative, most mystical superlative

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The ceremony had a _____ significance for the community.

Related words

Rhymes for mystical

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Frequently asked questions

What does “mystical” mean?

The word “mystical” means relating to mysticism or spiritual experience beyond normal understanding. In plain terms, having a spiritual or magical quality that goes beyond ordinary explanation.

How do you pronounce “mystical”?

“Mystical” is pronounced MIHS-tih-kuhl (/ˈmɪstɪkəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “mystical” in a sentence?

Here is “mystical” used in a sentence: “The ceremony had a mystical significance for the community.”

What part of speech is “mystical”?

“Mystical” is an adjective.

Is “mystical” a common word?

“Mystical” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “mystical” have?

“Mystical” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to mysticism or spiritual experience beyond normal understanding.

What is the difference between mystical and mysterious?

"Mystical" specifically relates to mysticism or spiritual experience beyond normal understanding, often with religious or supernatural connotations, while "mysterious" more broadly describes anything puzzling, unexplained, or hard to understand without a necessarily spiritual dimension. A mysterious event may simply lack explanation, while a mystical event implies a spiritual or transcendent quality.

Can mystical describe something that isn't religious?

Yes, "mystical" can also describe something that inspires a sense of wonder, awe, or spiritual mystery even outside a formal religious context, such as a mystical sunset or a mystical atmosphere in a forest. This broader sense focuses on the feeling of awe rather than any specific belief system.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial