magic
magic — noun
1. The practice of using secret words, spells, or rituals that are believed to cont
The practice of using secret words, spells, or rituals that are believed to control nature or produce results that seem impossible.
In the old legend, the witch used magic to turn a prince into a swan.
use + magic + to-infinitive for purpose
Maeve read books about ancient magic and learned to read the stars for signs.
Village stories tell of magic that could heal the sick or bring rain in a drought.
The children believed that the old woman's magic protected their village from wild animals.
Élise studied the tradition of folk magic passed down by her grandmother's family.
- sorcery
more specific to evil or harmful supernatural practices, often in fantasy settings
- witchcraft
specifically refers to magic practised by witches, often with a negative connotation in historical contexts
- the occult
formal term for hidden supernatural knowledge and practices, usually in religious or academic discussion
- science
knowledge based on observable, repeatable evidence rather than supernatural forces
文法句型
use + magic + to-infinitive
magic + that-clause
用法筆記
Uncountable in this sense — do not say 'a magic' when referring to supernatural practices. Frequently modified by adjectives like 'black', 'white', 'folk', or 'ancient'.
常見錯誤
2. A type of stage performance in which a person uses quick hand movements and hidd
A type of stage performance in which a person uses quick hand movements and hidden objects to create illusions that seem to go against what is physically possible.
Christopher learned a magic trick where a coin disappears inside a closed fist.
learn a magic trick — common collocation
Gita watched a magician perform magic on stage at her seventh birthday party.
perform magic — verb-noun collocation
The show had impressive tricks — doves flew out of hats and cards appeared from thin air.
Asher practised magic every evening until he could make coins float above the kitchen table.
- illusion
a specific trick or effect created by a magician, often called a 'magic illusion'
- conjuring
formal or old-fashioned term for performing magic tricks, especially with cards or coins
- sleight of hand
refers specifically to tricks done with quick hand movements, not large stage props
文法句型
do + magic
perform + magic
learn + magic + trick
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (SUPERNATURAL POWER): this sense refers to entertainment tricks only, not real supernatural belief. The phrase 'a magic trick' is countable even though 'magic' itself is uncountable.
常見錯誤
3. A special, attractive quality that makes a person, place, moment, or experience
A special, attractive quality that makes a person, place, moment, or experience feel wonderful and different from ordinary life.
There is a certain magic about the old town when street lamps glow at dusk.
there is a certain magic about — fixed expression
Amira felt the concert's magic as the crowd sang along under the stars.
The garden lost its magic when the builders knocked down the old wall and oak tree.
For Hao, the city's magic was its night markets with food stalls and bright signs.
- charm
a pleasant, attractive quality that draws people in; slightly less strong than 'magic'
- enchantment
a feeling of being completely delighted and captivated, like under a spell
- allure
a mysterious and exciting attraction, often with a hint of danger or the unknown
- ordinariness
the state of being completely normal and unremarkable
- dullness
lack of interest or excitement
文法句型
there is + a certain + magic + about
the magic of + noun
lose + possessive + magic
用法筆記
Often used with possessive adjectives ('its magic', 'their magic') or in the phrase 'the magic of + noun'. Not used to describe physical objects themselves — it describes the feeling or atmosphere they create.
常見錯誤
magic — adjective
1. Relating to or possessing supernatural forces; able to cause impossible events t
Relating to or possessing supernatural forces; able to cause impossible events through secret spells or mysterious powers.
The princess touched the magic mirror and saw a room filled with gold and jewels.
magic mirror — typical attributive use in fantasy contexts
In the story, a magic carpet carries a boy across the desert to a city.
The wizard waved his magic wand and the stone frogs turned back into real princes.
Felipe searched for a magic key that could unlock any door in the enchanted castle.
- ordinary
completely normal, without any special powers
文法句型
magic + noun
the + noun + is magic
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun (attributive) in this sense. When used after a linking verb ('The sword is magic'), the meaning shifts to 'it has magical power', which is less common in modern English — 'magical' is preferred for predicative use.
常見錯誤
2. Producing a very good result in a way that seems almost impossibly fast, simple,
Producing a very good result in a way that seems almost impossibly fast, simple, or effortless.
There is no magic cure for a broken heart — healing just takes time.
no magic + noun — negated form emphasising lack of easy fix
Allison said the new photo software was a magic tool for removing red-eye in seconds.
Lakan knew there was no magic method for learning a language — practice takes time.
Parents sometimes hope for a magic formula that will make their children behave perfectly.
- miraculous
stronger — suggests a result so surprising it seems like a miracle; often used in religious or medical contexts
- effortless
focuses on the ease of the process rather than the impressiveness of the result
- laborious
requiring a lot of time and hard work, the opposite of an easy fix
文法句型
magic + noun (solution, answer, formula, method)
用法筆記
Nearly always used attributively before nouns like 'solution', 'cure', 'formula', 'answer', 'method'. Very commonly appears in negative constructions ('no magic solution', 'no magic cure') to warn against wishful thinking. Do not use predictively ('The cure is magic').
常見錯誤
magic — exclamation
1. An informal exclamation showing that you find something excellent, delightful, o
An informal exclamation showing that you find something excellent, delightful, or highly enjoyable — like a wonderful surprise or a great experience.
"You got us tickets to the final? Magic!" Daniel said with a huge grin.
standalone exclamation showing delight
"The band's last song was absolutely magic!" Amira shouted over the cheering crowd.
used predictively with 'was' + 'absolutely' for emphasis
After tasting the handmade chocolate cake, Allison whispered, "Magic."
"We finished the whole project early. Magic!" Asher said, leaning back in his chair.
- terrible
the opposite emotional reaction — strong disapproval
用法筆記
Chiefly British informal use. More common among younger speakers. Can stand alone as a one-word exclamation or be used after 'is/was' + 'absolutely'. Avoid in formal writing. In American English, 'Awesome!' or 'Amazing!' are more common equivalents.