Word
Definition
n. the study of magic, spirits, and hidden powers that science cannot explain. People often use this word when talking about secret rituals or mysterious beliefs.
n. supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena. Often refers to systems of knowledge that are hidden from the uninitiated or outside the realm of empirical science.
Examples
“She spent years studying the occult and ancient myths.”
“The library contains a restricted section dedicated to the occult, featuring rare manuscripts on alchemy and divination.”
“While modern chemistry has its roots in the occult practices of early alchemists, the two fields eventually diverged as the scientific method replaced mystical speculation.”
Examples
simple
“She spent years studying the occult and ancient myths.”
contextual
“The library contains a restricted section dedicated to the occult, featuring rare manuscripts on alchemy and divination.”
complex
“While modern chemistry has its roots in the occult practices of early alchemists, the two fields eventually diverged as the scientific method replaced mystical speculation.”
Usage
Typically preceded by the definite article 'the' when referring to the subject as a whole.
Real-World Examples
“After they move in they discover a Latin phrase carved into the wall, layers of candle wax, a mysterious sealed bottle: evidence of occult rituals?” “The Times reports tension , external between the druids of Anglesey and an occult store on the island.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin occultus (“hidden, secret”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/occult
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0