mystical

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'mystical' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has mysterious qualities and a spiritual or supernatural element. Example sentence: The dense forest seemed to have a mystical quality that one could almost feel in the air.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It served me well standing on the side of countless wet hillsides, and I wonder whether the mystical powers of tea, like the great verses of Homer, are somehow passed down through the generations.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Priests at the Yakuo-in temple, which is situated on the mountain, create a mystical soundscape as they blow conch shells and perform prayers for Geikosai – the festival to welcome the light.

The Guardian - Travel

Before hitting the town we take a boat out to the mystical Isola di Barbana, an island sanctuary that has been drawing pilgrims since medieval times, then carry on to the most eastern point of the lagoon, to Valle Cavanata nature reserve.

The Guardian - Travel

Not for Walsh any sense of reverence for the mystical powers of the non-disclosure agreement.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Since he summarily left the project uncompleted four years ago he has become a kind of Grotowski of architecture, both in Australia and abroad, a mystical figure known only by a chosen few and thought by the rest as either an overly temperamental genius or a charlatan who could not finish what he had begun.

The Guardian - Arts

Two great religious artists with very different personalities complete this mystical top five.

The Guardian - Arts

While he may be inspired by the likes of Heston Blumenthal and Ferran Adrià, Faure brings another element to the table, his sense of theatre and showmanship, as those that choose one of the tasting menus get treated to the chef himself spectacularly preparing his mystical molecular recipes in front of them.

The Guardian - Travel

She quotes one neuroscientist speculating that mystical visions at a Coptic church near Cairo might have been related to seismic activity nearby.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

After all he worked away at "Faust", on and off, for around 60 years and the piece is widely held in near-mystical awe, even by the many who have neither read it nor seen it in its habitually truncated, roughly six-hour, form.

The Economist

Until a rally attended by over 100,000 supporters on December 23rd in Lahore, nobody imagined that the bespectacled, bearded and rather fiery preacher could be a political figure of any significance.All the more curious, this week he showed a near-mystical ability to make things happen.

The Economist

But more often the word is used in a quasi-mystical way to evoke information heaven.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mystical" to add depth and intrigue when describing experiences, places, or ideas that evoke a sense of wonder or spiritual significance. For instance, "The ancient ruins held a certain mystical allure."

Common error

Refrain from using "mystical" to describe ordinary or easily explainable events. This can dilute the word's impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. For instance, describing a simple coincidence as "mystical" is inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "mystical" functions primarily as an adjective. It is used to describe something that possesses mysterious qualities or has a spiritual significance that transcends human understanding. Ludwig AI affirms this, providing examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mystical" is an adjective used to describe something possessing mysterious and spiritual qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. It serves to evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue, fitting within a neutral register. When using "mystical", avoid overuse in mundane situations to maintain its impact and aim for precision by considering alternatives like "spiritual", "enigmatic", or "transcendent" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The word is "mystical".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spiritual

Focuses more on the religious or soulful aspect, less on the mysterious.

enigmatic

Highlights the puzzling and difficult-to-interpret nature.

transcendent

Emphasizes surpassing ordinary limits; more elevated.

numinous

Implies a divine or spiritual presence.

otherworldly

Suggests a connection to realms beyond the normal.

supernatural

Relates to phenomena beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.

arcane

Highlights something that is understood by few, mysterious or secret.

occult

Deals with secret or hidden knowledge.

esoteric

Understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest.

ineffable

Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.

FAQs

How can I use "mystical" in a sentence?

You can use "mystical" to describe something that has mysterious qualities and a spiritual or supernatural element. For example: "The dense forest seemed to have a mystical quality that one could almost feel in the air."

What words are similar to "mystical"?

Synonyms for "mystical" include "spiritual", "enigmatic", and "transcendent", each carrying slightly different connotations.

When is it appropriate to use the word "mystical"?

Use "mystical" when referring to something that inspires a sense of spiritual mystery, awe, and fascination, often relating to religious or supernatural elements.

What is the difference between "mystical" and "magical"?

"Mystical" implies a spiritual or religious mystery, while "magical" typically refers to supernatural powers or illusions. "Mystical" suggests a deeper, often religious significance, whereas "magical" is more associated with fantasy or entertainment.