Magic
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /ˈmadʒɪk/
- US IPA: /ˈmædʒɪk/
- Rhymes: -ædʒɪk
Alternative forms
Origin
From Middle French magique (noun and adjective), from Latin magicus (adjective), magica (noun use of feminine form of magicus), from Ancient Greek μαγικός ("magical"), from μάγος (magos, "magus"). Displaced native Middle English dweomercraft ("magic, magic arts") (from Old English dwimor ("phantom, illusion") + cræft ("art")), Old English galdorcræft ("magic, enchantment"), Old English drȳcræft ("magic, sorcery").
Full definition of magic
Noun
magic
(usually uncountable; plural magics)- The use of rituals or actions, especially based on supernatural or occult knowledge, to manipulate or obtain information about the natural world, especially when seen as falling outside the realm of religion; also the forces allegedly drawn on for such practices. from 14th c.
- c. 1489, William Caxton, Foure Sonnes of Aymon:And whan he shall be arrayed as I telle you
lete hym thenne doo his incantacyons & his magyke as he wyll …. - 1781, Edward Gibbon, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, II.23:The arts of magic and divination were strictly prohibited.
- 1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society 2012, p. 23:Conversions to the new religion … have frequently been assisted by the view of converts that they are acquiring not just a means of otherworldly salvation, but a new and more powerful magic.
- A specific ritual or procedure associated with supernatural magic or with mysticism; a spell. from 14th c.
- Something producing remarkable results, especially when not fully understood; an enchanting quality; exceptional skill. from 17th c.
- 1963, Margery Allingham, The China Governess Chapter 1, The original family who had begun to build a palace to rival Nonesuch had died out before they had put up little more than the gateway, so that the actual structure which had come down to posterity retained the secret magic of a promise rather than the overpowering splendour of a great architectural achievement.
- A conjuring trick or illusion performed to give the appearance of supernatural phenomena or powers. from 19th c.
Synonyms
- (allegedly supernatural method to dominate natural forces) thaumaturgy, conjuring, sorcery, witchcraft
- (illusion performed to give the appearance of magic or the supernatural) sleight of hand, illusionism, legerdemain
Adjective
magic
- Having supernatural talents, properties or qualities attributed to magic. from 14th c.a magic wand; a magic dragon
- Producing extraordinary results, as though through the use of magic; wonderful, amazing. from 17th c.a magic moment
- Pertaining to conjuring tricks or illusions performed for entertainment etc. from 19th c.a magic show; a magic trick
- (colloquial) Great; excellent. from 20th c.— I cleaned up the flat while you were out. — Really? Magic!
- (physics) Describing the number of nucleons in a particularly stable isotopic nucleus; 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, 126, and 184. from 20th c.
Synonyms
Synonyms
- (produce magically) conjure up