mystic
/ˈmɪstɪk/ (bre, ipa) · [mˈɪstɪk] /ˈmɪstɪk/ (ame, ipa) · [mˈɪstɪk] /ˈmi-stik/ (ame, mw) · /ˈmɪs.tɪk/ (bre, ipa) · [mˈɪstɪk] /ˈmɪs.tɪk/ (ame, ipa)
mystic — adjective
- mysticpositive
- more mysticcomparative
- most mysticsuperlative
1. describing magic, hidden powers, or a dark and wonder-filled feeling that seems
describing magic, hidden powers, or a dark and wonder-filled feeling that seems beyond ordinary life.
Caleb bought a mystic charm from a candle shop near the harbor.
mystic charm — magical object collocation
Purple smoke gave the stage a mystic look during the school play.
give something a mystic look
A mystic symbol was painted above the old gate in silver ink.
The market sells mystic cards, crystals, and oils for private rituals.
- ordinary
lacks any supernatural or special atmosphere
- nonmagical
states directly that no magic is involved
文法句型
mystic + noun (charm, symbol, power)
have a mystic + quality/look
用法筆記
Usually appears before nouns such as charm, symbol, or power. Unlike sense 2, it points to occult force or magical atmosphere rather than spiritual teaching or union with God.
常見錯誤
2. connected with the belief that hidden spiritual truth can be reached through dee
connected with the belief that hidden spiritual truth can be reached through deep prayer, insight, or union with God.
Arjun studies mystic poems that describe the soul's journey toward God.
mystic poems — spiritual-literary context
The retreat center offers mystic teachings on silence, prayer, and inner peace.
mystic teachings — religious instruction collocation
A museum guide explained the mystic meaning behind the temple painting.
Tariro joined a class on mystic traditions in medieval Spain.
- mystical
the more common modern adjective, very close in meaning
- spiritual
broader and less tied to hidden religious truths
- contemplative
focuses on inward reflection rather than secret spiritual knowledge
文法句型
mystic + noun (poem, teaching, tradition)
mystic meaning of + noun
用法筆記
Often modifies words like teaching, poem, meaning, or tradition. Unlike sense 1, this sense is about spiritual understanding and religious experience, not spells, charms, or magical objects.
mystic — noun
- mysticsingular
- mysticsplural
1. a person who seeks direct closeness to God or spiritual truth through prayer, vi
a person who seeks direct closeness to God or spiritual truth through prayer, visions, or intense inner experience.
Esteban read the letters of a medieval mystic before writing his essay.
letters of a medieval mystic
The film follows a young mystic who leaves home to pray alone.
a mystic who + verb
Evelyn called her aunt a mystic because she spent hours in silent prayer.
A local mystic spoke to visitors about visions, fasting, and mercy.
- spiritual seeker
broader and more modern, with less religious weight
- ascetic
emphasizes self-denial more than direct spiritual insight
- visionary
emphasizes unusual insight or visions, not prayerful discipline itself
- materialist
focuses on physical or practical reality rather than spiritual truth
- skeptic
questions spiritual claims instead of pursuing them
文法句型
a mystic who + verb
medieval/Christian/Sufi + mystic
用法筆記
Often refers to a historical or religious figure known for prayer, visions, or inward discipline. It suggests a serious path of devotion, not just a general interest in calm living or personal growth.