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

The port is a gateway to the state’s lush jungles, ancient ruins, and mystic traditions. —Meagan Drillinger, AFAR Media, 17 Dec. 2024

Set in the long period of winter darkness in Alaska, the mystic crime drama puts Chief Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Detective Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) to work investigating the frozen deaths of seven men at a research facility. —Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024

Noun

That unassuming manuscript turned out to be the only surviving copy of The Book of Margery Kempe, a medieval text chronicling the adventures of a female Christian mystic. —Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

The secretive leader allegedly sought the advice of mystics before launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. —Harriet Marsden, theweek, 23 Sep. 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