mage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mage" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in fantasy contexts.
It can be used to refer to a magician or sorcerer, often in literature, games, or discussions about fantasy genres. Example: "In the story, the mage cast a powerful spell to protect the village from the impending threat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It would render that person immune to viruses, but at the cost of them being unable to digest most normal foods or interact with the natural microbiome that helps to keep their gut healthy.Slightly less drastic might be using a tool like MAGE to make hundreds of changes to a person's genetic code, which converts genetic information into useful proteins.

The Economist

His laboratory is developing a robotic system called multiplex automated genome engineering (MAGE) that can perform up to 50 different genome alterations at nearly the same time, creating billions of variants in a matter of hours.

The Economist

MAGE would allow scientists to start with an intact genome of a living Asian elephant and change it wholesale into one that is comparable to an extinct mammoth, using information pieced together from frozen fragments of mammoths.

The Economist

Some reports, however, have suggested that the mage has not been completely removed and is, instead, being moderated by Facebook.

Independent

You can take the role of either a warlock (mage), hunter (rogue), or titan (tank-class/warrior).

Independent

You control one of three characters (a thief, a mage and a knight) who unwittingly combine their souls when they all touch the Trine.

Independent

Long ago, before the rise of Prince Brady, when the fiendish wizard Belichick was merely an unheralded troll mage, in the time before iPhones, iPads and iCarly, a barbarian warrior named Ray Lewis ruled the N.F.L. His roar was mighty, his defensive cohorts terrifying, his quarterback comic relief.

The New York Times

The story is about Timothy Hunter, a young boy on a tour through the magical realms of the DC Universe as mystical forces try to determine whether he will be the world's most powerful mage.

The New York Times

("What if there were something, other than ranger or thief, paladin or mage?" a teammate asks).

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The chief judge (juge-mage) assumed the seneschal's judicial functions in the south; receivers of revenues, first appearing in Languedoc, were instituted in the bailiwicks at the end of the 13th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An experimental cancer vaccine, Mage-A3, failed to help melanoma patients in a late-stage trial but Glaxo said it would continue with the tests to see if the high-risk high reward treatment benefited people with different genetic traits.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "mage", ensure the context clearly indicates a fantasy or magical setting to avoid confusion with other potential meanings or misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "mage" in contexts where a simpler term like "magician" or "expert" would be more appropriate. "Mage" carries a strong fantasy connotation, and its use outside that context can sound awkward or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The word "mage" functions primarily as a noun, denoting an individual who practices magic. This is evident in Ludwig examples, where "mage" refers to characters in games or stories who wield magical powers. Ludwig AI confirms its use as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mage" is a noun commonly used to describe a practitioner of magic, predominantly within fantasy genres. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to science and encyclopedias. While synonyms like "wizard" or "sorcerer" exist, "mage" provides a general descriptor for magic users. Ludwig's analysis emphasizes ensuring contextual clarity when using "mage" to maintain relevance and avoid misinterpretations, as it could sound awkward when used outside fantasy settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wizard

This alternative refers to a male magic user, often skilled in spells and potions.

sorcerer

This term emphasizes the use of magic powers, often inherited or innate.

magician

This alternative describes someone who performs magic, either as an illusionist or a practitioner of real magic.

enchanter

This term highlights the ability to cast spells and charms on people or objects.

warlock

This alternative often refers to a male witch or sorcerer, sometimes associated with dark magic.

witch

This term typically refers to a female magic user, often associated with nature and herbalism.

thaumaturge

This word denotes a worker of wonders or miracles, often through supernatural means.

mystic

This alternative refers to someone who seeks spiritual knowledge and enlightenment through mystical experiences.

seer

This term highlights the ability to see the future or have prophetic visions.

arcanist

This word describes someone skilled in arcane or secret knowledge, often related to magic.

FAQs

How is "mage" typically used in a sentence?

The word "mage" is typically used as a noun to describe a practitioner of magic, often in fantasy settings. For example, "The "mage" cast a powerful spell." or "She trained to become a powerful "mage"."

What are some alternatives to the word "mage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "wizard", "sorcerer", "magician", or "enchanter".

Is "mage" a formal or informal term?

"Mage" leans towards the informal side, commonly found in fantasy literature and games. More formal contexts might prefer "magician" or a similar term.

What is the difference between a "mage" and a "wizard"?

While often used interchangeably, "mage" typically refers to a general practitioner of magic, whereas "wizard" often implies a higher level of knowledge or skill in magic, or a specific tradition of magic.