occult

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "occult" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as an adjective meaning "secret or hidden" or as a noun meaning "the supernatural or magical practices." Example sentence: She was interested in the occult and spent her time researching ancient mysticism.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By virtue of it being value, it has acquired the occult ability to add value to itself.

The Economist

A spiritualist barber encouraged a taste for the occult and for Eastern religion.

The Economist

This is one of the reasons why methane was seen as an exciting discovery its constant oxidation in the atmosphere means it would have to be replenished by some occult process.

The Economist

On his website, for example, when asked by a sycophantic interviewer whether some "occult power" shields him, he whispers: "Let me tell you the name of my witch-doctor.

The Economist

Murder and the occult are never far from the surface.

The Economist

Dan Brown's mix of murder and maths, Leonardo and the Holy Grail is "occult lite"; it lacks the feeling for maths and medieval mystery conveyed in "Foucault's Pendulum", Umberto Eco's fictional trail through the occult, published 16 years ago.

The Economist

Occult systems of patronage matter more than apparent hierarchies.

The Economist

But surviving portions of Hitler's private library reveal the German dictator as an ardent bibliophile, owning classics, history, travel writing, biography, studies of the occult and much else.Timothy Ryback's main find is the portion of Hitler's huge book collection that ended up in an obscure section of the Library of Congress.

The Economist

A decade later, ironically enough, NeXT was bought by Apple, and Mr Jobs was brought back to run the company he had founded.Mr Jobs, a pescatarian (ie, a vegetarian who eats fish) with a philosophical streak and a strong interest in the occult, interprets these reversals as lessons.

The Economist

Occult leaders encouraged the expulsion from the community of the sick, further accelerating the epidemic.

The Economist

Damien Echols, a local outcast known to hold an interest in the occult, and his friends Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley junior, were arrested.Media frenzy, spurred on by the public furore, accompanied a hurried and flawed investigation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "occult", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to hidden knowledge, supernatural phenomena, or esoteric practices. Clarity is key to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "occult" loosely to describe anything simply 'unknown'. The term carries specific connotations of the supernatural, magical, or deliberately concealed, not merely the absence of information.

Linguistic Context

The word "occult" functions primarily as an adjective or noun. As an adjective, it modifies nouns to describe something hidden or related to supernatural phenomena. As a noun, it refers to supernatural or magical practices. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "occult" functions as both an adjective and a noun, denoting hidden knowledge, supernatural phenomena, or mystical practices. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While appropriate in formal writing, clarity is crucial to avoid misinterpretation. Semantically related terms include "mystical", "esoteric", and "supernatural", each carrying distinct nuances. Be mindful of the term's specific connotations to avoid misapplication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mystical

Focuses more on spiritual and esoteric aspects.

esoteric

Emphasizes specialized knowledge accessible only to a select few.

supernatural

Relates to phenomena beyond the natural realm.

hidden

Highlights the state of being concealed or not easily apparent.

secret

Underscores the confidential or private nature.

arcane

Suggests something mysterious and understood by few.

abstruse

Implies difficulty in understanding due to complexity.

recondite

Highlights obscurity and a need for specialized knowledge.

cryptic

Emphasizes the puzzling or ambiguous nature.

unexplained

Focuses on the lack of a clear explanation or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "occult" in a sentence?

The word "occult" can be used as an adjective, such as "occult practices", or as a noun, such as "interest in the occult".

What words are similar to "occult"?

Alternatives include "mystical", "esoteric", and "supernatural", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "occult" in formal writing?

Yes, "occult" is appropriate in formal writing when discussing topics related to hidden knowledge, mysticism, or supernatural phenomena. However, ensure the context is suitable and the term is used accurately.

What is the difference between "occult" and "obscure"?

"Occult" refers specifically to hidden or supernatural matters, while "obscure" generally means vague, unclear, or not well-known. Although there might be an overlap in meaning, "occult" carries a stronger connotation of hidden knowledge or supernatural forces.