English Reference
adjective

mystical

adj.
US /ˈmɪstɪkəɫ/ UK /mˈɪstɪkəl/ mys·ti·cal

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

    having a spiritual or magical quality that people cannot fully understand with their minds.

    relating to or having a spiritual or supernatural significance that transcends ordinary human comprehension.

    Simple

    The ancient ceremony had a mystical feeling that stayed with us for days.

    In context

    The poet sought to capture the mystical union between the soul and the natural world through complex metaphors of light and shadow.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    making you feel a sense of wonder, mystery, or fascination.

    evoking a sense of spiritual mystery, awe, or fascination, often through atmosphere or aesthetic qualities.

    Simple

    The forest looked mystical in the thick morning fog.

    In context

    The composer used haunting choral arrangements to create a mystical atmosphere that transported the audience to another era.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Academic Religion

    connected to the beliefs or practices of people who try to communicate directly with God or a higher power.

    relating to the practices or beliefs of mystics, specifically concerning direct subjective communion with the divine.

    Simple

    She spent years studying the mystical traditions of the Middle East.

    In context

    The seminar focused on the mystical writings of the thirteenth century, examining how these texts challenged the established religious hierarchies of the time.

    esoterictheosophical

From mystic + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated