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Arcane Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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arcane

[ɑːˈkeɪn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

magic

Understood by few; mysterious or secret.

Synonyms

esoteric, mysterious, occult.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
arcane

Used when referring to knowledge or information that is known by very few people and is often difficult to understand.

  • The ancient rituals were arcane and only understood by a few chosen members of the tribe
  • The professor's lecture on quantum physics was full of arcane concepts
mysterious

Best used when describing something that is difficult to explain or understand, often evoking curiosity and wonder.

  • The abandoned house at the edge of the village was shrouded in a mysterious aura
  • She had a mysterious charm that captivated everyone who met her
esoteric

Appropriate for subjects or knowledge intended to be understood by a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest.

  • The book contains esoteric philosophical theories that are comprehensible only to scholars in the field
  • His taste in music is quite esoteric, favoring rare and unheard-of genres
occult

Refers to supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena; can have a negative connotation implying something hidden and potentially sinister.

  • The group was rumored to practice occult rituals in the dead of night
  • He was fascinated by the occult and spent hours reading about witchcraft and spellcasting

Examples of usage

  • The arcane language of ancient rituals.
  • She had an arcane knowledge of the occult.
  • The magician performed arcane tricks that baffled the audience.
Context #2 | Noun

fantasy

A secret known only to a few people.

Synonyms

enigma, mystery, secret.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
arcane

Used to describe something very old-fashioned or understood by only a few people, often because it is complex or obscure.

  • The rituals of the ancient tribe were arcane and mysterious.
  • The professor's knowledge of arcane languages impressed his students.
secret

Refers to information that is intentionally kept hidden from others.

  • She promised to keep his secret.
  • The recipe for the sauce is a family secret.
mystery

Describes something that is not understood or known, often provoking curiosity.

  • The strange disappearance of the ship remains a mystery.
  • The novel is full of suspense and mystery.
enigma

Refers to a person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.

  • Despite years of research, the scientist remained an enigma.
  • The ancient ruins were an enigma to the archaeologists.

Examples of usage

  • The hero had to uncover the arcane to defeat the villain.
  • The book revealed the ancient arcane of the lost civilization.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'arcane'

The word 'arcane' originated from the Latin word 'arcanus', meaning secret or hidden. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe things that are mysterious or understood by only a few. In the context of magic and fantasy, 'arcane' has become associated with the idea of secret knowledge and mystical practices.

See also: arc.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,615, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.