mystic

¹

[mis-tik]

adjective

1. involving or characterized by esoteric, otherworldly, or symbolic practices or content, as certain religious ceremonies and art; spiritually significant; ethereal.

2. of the nature of or pertaining to mysteries known only to the initiated.

   mystic rites.

3. of occult character, power, or significance.

   a mystic formula.

4. of obscure or mysterious character or significance.

5. of or relating to mystics or mysticism.

noun

1. a person who claims to attain, or believes in the possibility of attaining, insight into mysteries transcending ordinary human knowledge, as by direct communication with the divine or immediate intuition in a state of spiritual ecstasy.

2. a person initiated into religious mysteries.

Mystic

²

[mis-tik]

noun

1. a section of Groton, in SE Connecticut: maritime museum.

mystic

/ ˈmɪstɪk /

noun

1. a person who achieves mystical experience or an apprehension of divine mysteries

adjective

1. another word for mystical

Other Word Forms

• mysticity noun
• mysticly adverb
• antimystic adjective
• nonmystic adjective
• semimystic adjective
• unmystic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mystic¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English mystik, from Latin mysticus, from Greek mystikós, from mýst(ēs) “an initiate into the mysteries” (from myeîn “to initiate, teach,” akin to mýein “to shut”; myopia ( def. ) ) + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of mystic¹

C14: via Latin from Greek mustikos, from mustēs mystery initiate; related to muein to initiate into sacred rites

Example Sentences

Ancient mystics tried to understand what is being.

From Los Angeles Times

In each case, it suggested the areas would be home to different groups and factions, from "hillbilly mystics" to biker gangs.

From BBC

He was particularly intrigued by the school of mystic painters inspired by the West Coast’s landscapes.

From Los Angeles Times

What Lincoln called “the mystic chords of memory” will help hold stricken neighborhoods and neighbors together and will, over time, help knit together connections beyond roads and pipes and power grids.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of Altadena’s notable properties, Zorthian Ranch and the Bunny Museum among them, tell the story of the community’s long-standing role as a haven for free spirits, mystics and counterculture figures.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• mystical 
• otherworldly 
• supernatural