# mystic

/ˈmɪstɪk/ (US) · /mˈɪstɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mystic
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. spiritual practitioner

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who seeks a direct, personal connection with God or a spiritual truth through prayer and deep thought.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. mysterious or spiritual

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

having a spiritual meaning that is difficult to understand, or relating to secret religious ceremonies.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The mystic spent many years living alone in the mountains.
- Scholars often study the writings of the 14th-century mystic to understand the religious atmosphere of that era.
- While the theologian relies on logic and scripture to define the divine, the mystic claims to bypass such intellectual structures in favor of a direct, unmediated encounter with the absolute.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.