mystical
mystical — adjective
1. connected with a type of deep religious experience in which a person feels a dir
connected with a type of deep religious experience in which a person feels a direct closeness to God or discovers hidden spiritual truths beyond ordinary understanding.
The monks spent years in meditation, seeking a mystical union with the divine.
mystical + noun (union with the divine)
Élise described her experience in the old chapel as deeply mystical and life-changing.
predicative use: be + deeply mystical
Many ancient texts contain references to mystical visions and encounters with angels.
For some believers, prayer is not just words but a mystical practice that connects them to God.
The temple's ancient architecture was designed to create a mystical atmosphere for worshippers.
- spiritual
broader term; 'spiritual' can refer to any non-material aspect of life, while 'mystical' specifically suggests hidden or direct divine experience
- transcendent
more formal; emphasises going beyond ordinary limits of experience
- otherworldly
suggests a sense of belonging to another realm rather than structured religious practice
- religious
broader and more general; 'mystical' is a specific type of religious experience centred on direct union with the divine
文法句型
mystical + noun (experience, union, vision, practice)
be + mystical
用法筆記
Frequently modifies nouns related to religious or spiritual experience (union, vision, practice, tradition). Distinguish from sense 2: sense 1 focuses on spiritual devotion and divine connection, whereas sense 2 describes strange or magical forces outside organised religion.
常見錯誤
2. relating to strange or magical forces that seem impossible to explain using ordi
relating to strange or magical forces that seem impossible to explain using ordinary knowledge, often creating a sense of wonder or fear.
Local legends tell of a mystical forest where strange lights appear at night.
mystical + noun (forest)
Camila bought a small statue that she believed held mystical powers to protect her home.
mystical + noun (powers)
The old woman's stories were full of mystical creatures and enchanted kingdoms.
Some people think the ancient stones have a mystical energy that can heal sickness.
In the film, the hero finds a mystical sword that gives him superhuman strength.
- magical
more direct about supernatural agency; 'magical' often implies spells or enchantment, while 'mystical' is vaguer and more atmospheric
- mysterious
broader term for anything unknown; 'mysterious' does not necessarily suggest supernatural forces
- supernatural
more emphatic about being beyond the laws of nature
- occult
specifically suggests hidden or secret knowledge, often with a darker connotation
文法句型
mystical + noun (powers, creature, energy, force)
be + mystical
用法筆記
Common in fantasy, folklore, and supernatural storytelling. Often describes objects, places, or beings thought to possess unexplained powers. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 does not require a religious or devotional framework — the source of the mystery can be secular or fictional.