Meaning and Origin
What does the name Magic mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
User Submitted Origins
User Submitted Meanings
- A user from Canada says the name Magic is of French origin and means "Magic. literally".
- A comprehensive name for all of the pretended arts which claim to produce effects by the assistance of supernatural beings, or departed spirits, or by a mastery of secret forces in nature attained by a study of occult science, including enchantment, conjuration, witchcraft, sorcery, necromancy, incantation, etc."An appearance made by some magic." [Chaucer.]
- The art of creating illusions which appear to the observer to be inexplicable except by some supernatural influence; it includes simple sleight of hand (legerdemain) as well as more elaborate stage magic, using special devices constructed to produce mystifying effects; as, the magic of David Copperfield . It is practised as an entertainment, by magicians who do not pretend to have supernatural powers.synonyms: Sorcery; witchcraft; necromancy; conjuration; enchantment.
Etymology: OE. magique, L. magice, Gr. � (sc. �), fr. �. See Magic (a.), and Magi
- Pertaining to the hidden wisdom supposed to be possessed by the Magi; relating to the occult powers of nature, and the producing of effects by their agency.
- Performed by, or proceeding from, occult and superhuman agencies; done by, or seemingly done by, enchantment or sorcery; as, a magical spell.Hence:Seemingly requiring more than human power; imposing or startling in performance; producing effects which seem supernatural or very extraordinary; having extraordinary properties; as, a magic lantern; a magic square or circle. "The painter's magic skill." [Cowper.]
Note: ☞ Although with certain words magic is used more than magical, -- as, magic circle, magic square, magic wand, -- we may in general say magic or magical; as, a magic or magical effect; a magic or magical influence, etc. But when the adjective is predicative, magical, and not magic, is used; as, the effect was magical.
Etymology: L. magicus, Gr. �, fr. �: cf. F. magique. See Magi
- An illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers
- Any art that invokes supernatural powers
- Possessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers ("magic signs that protect against adverse influence" and "a magical spell")
From Middle English magyk, from Old French magique (noun and adjective), from Latin magicus (adjective), magica (noun use of feminine form of magicus), from Ancient Greek μαγικός (magikós, “magical”), from μάγος (mágos, “magus”). Ultimately from Old Iranian, probably derived from Proto-Indo-European *meh₂gh- (“to be able to, to help; power, sorcerer”). 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”).
- 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.]
- 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.]
- A conjuring trick or illusion performed to give the appearance of supernatural phenomena or powers. [from 19th c.]
- A specific kind of special power or ability.
- Her was to control the weather.