mystic

1 of 2

adjective

mys·​tic ˈmi-stik 

1

: mystical sense 1a

2

: of or relating to mysteries or esoteric rites : occult

3

: of or relating to mysticism or mystics

4

a

: mysterious

b

: obscure, enigmatic

c

: inducing a feeling of awe or wonder

d

: having magical properties

mystic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a follower of a mystical way of life

2

: an advocate of a theory of mysticism

Synonyms

Adjective

• magic
• magical
• numinous
• occult
• weird

Examples of mystic in a Sentence

Adjective

She had a mystic vision while praying.

the notion that a cat has nine lives is based upon the belief that nine is a mystic number

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Scent choices are mystic forest, ozonic azure and violet cashmere. —Michael Wayland, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2024

Groff reimagines the real-life 12th-century mystic poet Marie de France into a nun who, bit by bit, transforms her impoverished abbey into a feminist utopia. —Constance Grady, Vox, 5 Aug. 2024

Noun

The Bahamas plot marks the series’ most significant expansion from the novel, exploring the impact of American meddling on longtime residents like hired enforcer Egg (David St. Louis) and Gracie (Jodie Turner-Smith), an obeah mystic who calls herself the Dragon Queen. —Alison Herman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2024

Though they are most comprehensively delineated in the Theravada Buddhism school of Southeast Asia, the jhanas predate the Buddha and find parallels across contemplative traditions, from Carmelite nuns to Sufi mystics. —By Naina Bajekal / Applegate, Calif., TIME, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English mystyke "open to symbolic or spiritual interpretation," borrowed from Latin mysticus "of secret rites, secret," borrowed from Greek mystikós, from mýstēs "person initiated (into a religious cult)" (probably from mys-, variant stem of mȳ́ein "to close, shut [the eyes]"—of uncertain origin— + -tēs, agent suffix) + ikos -ic entry 1

Noun

probably derivative of mystic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mystic

• mystic fire topaz
• mystic topaz

Kids Definition

mystic

1 of 2 adjective

mys·​tic ˈmis-tik 

1

: mystical sense 1

2

: of or relating to magic : occult

3

: mysterious, awesome

mystic

2 of 2 noun

: a person who seeks direct knowledge of God through meditation and prayer

Geographical Definition

Mystic

geographical name

Mys·​tic ˈmi-stik 

river in eastern Massachusetts flowing southeast into Boston Harbor