Mystic: meaning, definitions and examples

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mystic

[ˈmɪstɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

spiritual

A person who seeks by contemplation and self-surrender to obtain unity with or absorption into the Deity or the absolute, or who believes in the spiritual apprehension of truths that are beyond the understanding.

Synonyms

sage, spiritualist, visionary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mystic	This word is often used to describe someone who seeks to understand and experience the divine or spiritual truths through deep contemplation or meditation. It can also describe something that has a quality of mystery or otherworldliness. The mystic spent years in solitude, meditating in the mountains. The forest had a mystic atmosphere as the fog rolled in.
spiritualist	This term is used to describe someone who believes in or practices spiritualism—the belief in communication with the spirits of the dead or other spiritual entities. This can sometimes have a neutral or somewhat skeptical connotation. The spiritualist conducted a séance to communicate with the departed. She consulted a spiritualist to find closure after her friend's passing.
visionary	A visionary is someone who sees possibilities and has a clear, often innovative vision for the future. This word can describe someone in various fields, including business, art, or social movements, who has forward-thinking ideas. The entrepreneur was a true visionary, always thinking three steps ahead. Her visionary ideas transformed the company completely.
sage	This word is used to describe someone who is wise and experienced, often due to extensive knowledge or life experience. It carries a positive connotation of wisdom and insight. The village sage was always sought out for advice on important matters. He approached the sage for guidance on his spiritual journey.

Examples of usage

The mystic spent hours in meditation seeking enlightenment.
She had a mystical experience during her retreat in the mountains.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

mysterious

A person who claims to have special knowledge and powers that can be used to predict the future or to control events.

Synonyms

clairvoyant, psychic, seer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mystic	Used to describe a person who seeks spiritual truth through contemplation or self-surrender. Often associated with religious or spiritual practices. The mystic spent years in the mountains meditating. She had a mystic vision that changed her life forever.
psychic	Describes a person who claims to use extrasensory perception (ESP) to identify information hidden from the normal senses. Many people called the psychic hotline for advice. The psychic was featured on a show about the supernatural.
seer	A term often used for someone who is believed to be able to predict the future, typically used in historical or mythological contexts. The ancient seer foretold the coming of a great king. In folklore, the seer was a wise old man who lived on the edge of the village.
clairvoyant	Refers to a person who claims to have the ability to see events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact. The clairvoyant predicted the outcome of the election. People were amazed by the clairvoyant's insights during the séance.

Examples of usage

The fortune teller was believed to be a mystic with the ability to see into the future.
He was known as a mystic who could communicate with spirits.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'mystic' comes from the Greek 'mystikos', which means 'secret' or 'hidden', reflecting the idea of hidden knowledge.
In ancient times, mysticism was often linked with mystery religions that sought to uncover the secrets of the divine.
The concept of mysticism has appeared in various cultures, from ancient Egyptian rituals to Sufi practices in Islam.

Literature

Mystics have been central characters in various literary works, representing a bridge between the ordinary world and the spiritual realm.
Famous poets like Rumi and William Blake often incorporated mystical themes, exploring the connection between humanity and divinity.
Mystical literature frequently uses symbolic language and metaphors to express experiences that are hard to describe.

Spirituality

In many traditions, mysticism emphasizes direct, personal experiences of the divine, rather than relying solely on external teachings.
Mystics often engage in practices like meditation or contemplation to seek union with the ultimate reality.
The mystical path encourages seeking inner wisdom and finding truth in personal experiences rather than dogma.

Art

Mystical themes have profoundly influenced various art forms, creating visions of the divine and the sublime, as seen in the works of artists like Van Gogh.
Surrealist artists often explored mysticism by portraying dream-like states, blurring lines between reality and the ethereal.
Art that incorporates mystical elements often invites the viewer to ponder deeper questions about existence and meaning.

Psychology

Studies suggest that mystical experiences can lead to increased well-being and a greater sense of connectedness to others.
The human brain can create altered states of consciousness during meditation, leading to feelings often described as mystical.
Psychologists explore the impact of mystical experiences on individuals, notably how they shape personal identity and worldviews.

Translations

Translations of the word "mystic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 místico

🇮🇳 रहस्यमय

🇩🇪 mystisch

🇮🇩 mistis

🇺🇦 містичний

🇵🇱 mistyczny

🇯🇵 神秘的な

🇫🇷 mystique

🇪🇸 místico

🇹🇷 mistik

🇰🇷 신비로운

🇸🇦 غامض

🇨🇿 mystický

🇸🇰 mystický

🇨🇳 神秘的

🇸🇮 mističen

🇮🇸 dularfullur

🇰🇿 құпиялы

🇬🇪 მისტიკური

🇦🇿 mistik

🇲🇽 místico

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,994, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10991 forfeit
10992 lied
10993 chuckled
10994 mystic
10995 unconditional
10996 cyanide
10997 bilingual
...