mystic

1 of 2

adjective

mys·​tic ˈmi-stik 

1

: mystical sense 1a

2

: of or relating to mysteries or esoteric rites : occult

3

: of or relating to mysticism or mystics

4

a

: mysterious

b

: obscure, enigmatic

c

: inducing a feeling of awe or wonder

d

: having magical properties

mystic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a follower of a mystical way of life

2

: an advocate of a theory of mysticism

Synonyms

Adjective

• magic
• magical
• numinous
• occult
• weird

Examples of mystic in a Sentence

Adjective

She had a mystic vision while praying.

the notion that a cat has nine lives is based upon the belief that nine is a mystic number

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This is the art of a Zen master or masterful art, the poetry of a mystic, or the grace of a selfless act of leadership. —Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Describe your sound in a sentence: Ambient/spiritual mystic folk. —Alex Apatoff, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024

Noun

From her breakout role as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family to legendary performances in films like Sleepy Hollow and The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, Ricci, 44, has long been an icon for mystics and lovers of all things macabre. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024

Arabic Meaning: Glory of the faith Famous Namesakes: The great Muslim mystic and poet, Rumi Ibrahim Origin: Arabic Meaning: Father of many Famous Namesakes: Biblical character Abraham, along with peace activist Ibrahim Abu el-Hawa and writer Laila Ibrahim. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English mystyke "open to symbolic or spiritual interpretation," borrowed from Latin mysticus "of secret rites, secret," borrowed from Greek mystikós, from mýstēs "person initiated (into a religious cult)" (probably from mys-, variant stem of mȳ́ein "to close, shut [the eyes]"—of uncertain origin— + -tēs, agent suffix) + ikos -ic entry 1

Noun

probably derivative of mystic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mystic

• mystic fire topaz
• mystic topaz

Kids Definition

mystic

1 of 2 adjective

mys·​tic ˈmis-tik 

1

: mystical sense 1

2

: of or relating to magic : occult

3

: mysterious, awesome

mystic

2 of 2 noun

: a person who seeks direct knowledge of God through meditation and prayer

Geographical Definition

Mystic

geographical name

Mys·​tic ˈmi-stik 

river in eastern Massachusetts flowing southeast into Boston Harbor