Word
necromancy
Phoneticsnecro·man·cy
US/ˈnɛkɹəˌmænsi/
UK/nˈɛkɹəʊmənsi/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a type of magic that involves talking to dead people or bringing them back to life. In stories and games, it is often seen as dark or evil magic.
n. the practice of communicating with the dead to predict the future or influence events; also, the magical resurrection of the deceased. Often carries a sinister or taboo connotation in both historical and fictional contexts.
Examples
“The wizard used necromancy to speak with the ghost.”
“In many fantasy novels, the antagonist practices necromancy to raise an army of skeletons from the ancient graveyard.”
“Historically viewed as a forbidden art, necromancy was believed to grant practitioners access to the hidden knowledge of the underworld through the summoning of spirits.”
Examples
simple
“The wizard used necromancy to speak with the ghost.”
contextual
“In many fantasy novels, the antagonist practices necromancy to raise an army of skeletons from the ancient graveyard.”
complex
“Historically viewed as a forbidden art, necromancy was believed to grant practitioners access to the hidden knowledge of the underworld through the summoning of spirits.”
Usage
Typically uncountable when referring to the school of magic; occasionally used as a countable noun to describe specific rituals.
Etymology
Circa 1300, from Middle English nigromancye, from Old French nigromancie, from Medieval Latin nigromantia, from Latin necromantia, from Ancient Greek νεκρομαντεία (nekromanteía), νεκρός (nekrós, “dead”) + μαντεία (manteía, “divination”). Medieval Latin spelling, incorporating niger (“black”), influenced by the notion of black art. Modern spelling adopted in mid-1500s. By surface analysis, necro- + -mancy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Rare
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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