mystic
- 01 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The medieval mystic wrote about her visions of a peaceful world.”
In context“The 14th-century mystic spent decades in solitary contemplation, documenting his internal experiences in a series of influential spiritual treatises.”
UsageOften used to refer to historical figures in religious traditions.
Synonymsvisionaryspiritualist - 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The old forest had a mystic atmosphere that made us speak in whispers.”
In context“The poet was known for his mystic verses, which blended natural imagery with complex theological allegories.”
UsageIn modern everyday English, 'mystical' is more common than 'mystic' as an adjective.
“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.”