magus

IPA/ˈmeɪɡəs/
KK[mˈeɡəs]IPA/ˈmeɪɡəs/

magus — noun

1. a priest of the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism, who was also trained

1.nounC1
Definition

a priest of the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism, who was also trained in astronomy and the interpretation of sacred rituals and texts.

Example

At dawn, Jabari the magus knelt before the sacred fire and recited ancient verses.

collocation: sacred fire / ancient verses

Lien read that a magus had to memorise long prayers and study the stars.

magus + had to + verb (obligation)

Common collocations
  • the magus performed
  • consult the magus
  • the magus recited
  • hereditary magus
Synonyms
  • priest

    the general term for a religious leader; magus is a specific type of priest from ancient Persia

  • Zoroastrian priest

    more specific and modern; magus is the ancient title

Usage Note

Unlike the general word priest, magus refers specifically to the hereditary priestly class of ancient Persia and Media. This sense is almost always used in historical or religious writing.

Common Mistakes

The magus of the local church led the Sunday service.
The priest of the local church led the Sunday service.
Magus refers to ancient Persian religion, not Christianity or modern religions.
A magus in India taught me to meditate.
A priest in India taught me to meditate.
Magus is tied specifically to ancient Persian (Zoroastrian) tradition, not general Eastern spirituality.

2. a man who was believed to have magical powers, especially in ancient stories, le

2.nounB2
Definition

a man who was believed to have magical powers, especially in ancient stories, legends, and folk traditions — for example, a figure who could turn common objects into gold, heal the sick, or control the weather.

Example

An old tale tells of a magus who turned a handful of dust into gold.

magus + turned [substance] into [precious material]

Defne's grandmother claimed that a magus once lived in the cave behind their village.

expression: a magus once lived [location]

Common collocations
  • a powerful magus
  • the magus summoned
  • the magus cast a spell
  • a magus appeared
Synonyms
  • magician

    the everyday word for someone with magic powers; magus sounds older and more exotic

  • wizard

    common in fantasy fiction; magus is more formal and suggests ancient origins

  • sorcerer

    often implies evil or dangerous magic; magus is neutral

Usage Note

This sense is mostly found in historical accounts of ancient magic, folk tales, and fantasy fiction. For a modern stage performer who does tricks, use magician instead of magus.

Common Mistakes

The magus pulled a rabbit out of his hat at the birthday party.
The magician pulled a rabbit out of his hat at the birthday party.
Magus is not used for modern stage magic; use magician.
My uncle is a magus who does card tricks.
My uncle is a magician who does card tricks.
Only use magus for ancient or legendary contexts.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

Magus, magician, wizard, sorcerer, and mage all describe a person with supernatural abilities, but they differ in register, time period, and connotation. Magician is the everyday modern word — it covers both stage performers and fantasy figures, and learners will encounter it most often. Wizard is the standard term in modern fantasy fiction (e.g. Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings); it carries a neutral or wise connotation. Sorcerer often implies the use of dangerous or evil magic, especially in fairy tales and classic literature. Mage is a modern shortening of magus, common in video games and fantasy novels; it feels slightly artificial compared to the older terms. Magus itself is the rarest of the group — it is reserved for ancient or exotic settings, often with a tone of formal dignity. For example, a children's book might describe "a kind wizard who helps lost children," but an archaeological text would refer to "a magus who served the Persian king."

magician ↗wizard ↗sorcerer ↗mage ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • the Magi (Biblical plural form)

Etymology

Old PersianGreekLatinEnglish

The English word magus comes from Latin, which borrowed it from Greek mágos (μάγος), meaning 'magician' or 'wise man'. The Greek term itself was taken from Old Persian maguš, the title of a Zoroastrian priest. Over time, the meaning shifted from a specific religious role to a more general sense of a man with magical knowledge.

First known use

13th century

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a