magic
magic Lexical Profile
magic Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Used in, produced by, or possessing supernatural or mystical powers, especially in folklore, mythology, and fiction.
"In the fairy tale, the hero discovered a magic ring that rendered its wearer completely invisible."
Having a seemingly inexplicable, instant, or remarkably effective power to solve a problem or achieve a desired result.
"Economists warned that there is no magic formula for eliminating inflation overnight."
British Exceptionally good, enjoyable, or wonderful (used informally as an expression of praise).
"The atmosphere inside the stadium during the final match was absolutely magic."
• noun
The power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious, supernatural, or occult forces.
"Ancient folklore is rich with tales of heroes who relied on magic to defeat mythical beasts."
The performing art of entertaining an audience by producing illusions and seemingly impossible feats using sleight of hand, misdirection, and hidden apparatus.
"She practiced close-up magic with a deck of cards for years before performing on stage."
A Mysterious, enchanting, or extraordinary quality that inspires a sense of wonder, delight, or fascination.
"The quiet snowfall at dusk lent a sense of magic to the historic cobblestone streets."
• verb
To move, change, create, or cause to appear or disappear as if by supernatural power or sleight of hand.
"With limited ingredients left in the pantry, the chef somehow magicked a gourmet meal out of almost nothing."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'magic' and 'magical' both function as adjectives, 'magic' is typically used before a noun to denote objects with literal supernatural properties or stage tricks (e.g., 'a magic wand', 'a magic trick'), whereas 'magical' is preferred for figurative descriptions of enchanting or delightful experiences (e.g., 'a magical evening'). Additionally, verbs inflected from 'magic' add a 'k' before vowels ('magicked', 'magicking') to preserve the hard 'c' pronunciation.
• Rhymes for magic
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into Middle English via Old French 'magique' and Latin 'magice', from Ancient Greek 'magike (tekhne)' meaning '(art of) a magus'. The Greek term ultimately derives from Old Persian 'magush', referring to a member of the ancient Median priestly caste renowned in antiquity for astrology and supernatural ritual.