magic

English

/ˈmadʒɪk/, /ˈmædʒɪk/

noun
Definitions
  • The application of rituals or actions, especially those based on occult knowledge, to subdue or manipulate natural or supernatural beings and forces in order to have some benefit from them
  • A specific ritual or procedure associated with such magic; a spell.
  • The supernatural forces which are drawn on in such a ritual
  • Something producing successful and remarkable results, especially when not fully understood; an enchanting quality; exceptional skill.
  • A conjuring trick or illusion performed to give the appearance of supernatural phenomena or powers.
  • The art or practice of performing conjuring tricks and illusions.
  • (computing) Complicated or esoteric code that is not expected to be generally understood.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English magik derived from Old French magique derived from Latin magicus (magical) derived from Ancient Greek μαγικός (magical) derived from Proto-Indo-European *meh₂gʰ-, *megʰ- (power, be able to, sorcerer, help).

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*meh₂gʰ-, *megʰ-

Gloss

power, be able to, sorcerer, help

Concept
Semantic Field

Social and political relations

Ontological Category

Person/Thing

Kanji

Emoji
🏋️ 💡

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms