Word
sorcery
Phoneticssor·cery
US/ˈsɔɹsɝi/
UK/sˈɔːsəɹi/
In Japanese
magic; sorcery; witchcraft
Japanese from JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0. All sources.
Definitions
01magical power
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary
n. the use of magic or special powers to influence people or events.
n. the use of supernatural power, typically involving spells or rituals to influence the natural world.
“In the old stories, the wizard used sorcery to protect the hidden kingdom.”
“The epic poem describes a world where sorcery is a forbidden art, practiced only by those willing to risk their souls for power.”
Usage
Often used in fantasy literature or historical contexts rather than modern daily life.
Synonyms
02dark magic
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary · Formal
n. a type of magic that is considered evil or dangerous.
n. specifically refers to black magic or the occult, often implying a malevolent intent.
“The villagers feared the old ruins, believing they were still haunted by ancient sorcery.”
“The inquisitor claimed that the drought was not a natural disaster but the result of dark sorcery performed by the cult.”
Usage
Frequently carries a negative or sinister connotation compared to the neutral term 'magic'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Betony , meanwhile, was said to be helpful against diseases, epidemics and witchcraft, while bittersweet nightshade was believed to be effective against harmful sorcery.” “Betony , meanwhile, was said to be good against liver disease, epidemics and witchcraft, while bittersweet nightshade was believed to be effective against harmful sorcery.” Etymology
From Middle English sorcery, borrowed from Middle French sorcerie, ultimately derived from Latin sors (“fate”), from Proto-Indo-European *ser- (“to bind”). Cognate with serō, seriēs, sermō. Compare also French sorcier.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/sorcery