Word
mystic
Phoneticsmys·tic, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɪstɪk/
UK/mˈɪstɪk/
Definitions
01spiritual practitioner
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Religion Formal
n. a person who seeks a direct, personal connection with God or a spiritual truth through prayer and deep thought.
n. a person who seeks by contemplation and self-surrender to obtain unity with or absorption into the Deity or the absolute.
“The medieval mystic wrote about her visions of a peaceful world.”
“The 14th-century mystic spent decades in solitary contemplation, documenting his internal experiences in a series of influential spiritual treatises.”
Usage
Often used to refer to historical figures in religious traditions.
Synonyms
02mysterious or spiritual
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. having a spiritual meaning that is difficult to understand, or relating to secret religious ceremonies.
adj. relating to or characteristic of mysticism; possessing a spiritual or magical significance that transcends human understanding.
“The old forest had a mystic atmosphere that made us speak in whispers.”
“The poet was known for his mystic verses, which blended natural imagery with complex theological allegories.”
Usage
In modern everyday English, 'mystical' is more common than 'mystic' as an adjective.
Real-World Examples
“Theoretically, they followed the teachings of famed mystic Gurdjieff.” “The 16th-century Jewish mystic Isaac Luria told the story that God created the human world by exiling Himself from a part of His own absoluteness.” “Wagner and his collaborators intended the design to create what they grandly called a “mystic gulf”: a seamless, uncluttered view of the stage that would draw the audience fully into the action.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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