Reading Theme:
Magic: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：enchanting quality (magic)
magic
/ˈmædʒɪk/
n.
A special quality that makes something very attractive, enjoyable, or fascinating.
enchanting quality
➕
/ɪnˈtʃæntɪŋ ˈkwɒləti/
n.
An indefinable, captivating quality that makes an experience, person, or place exceptionally delightful and fascinating.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'mágos' (member of the Persian priestly caste) via Latin 'magia'.
💡 Mnemonic
MAGIC: A Magician's Act Gives Intriguing Charms.
📖 Example
There's a real magic in the atmosphere of a live concert that you can't get from just listening to a recording.
There's a genuine enchanting quality in the atmosphere of a live concert that you cannot get from just listening to a recording.
🔗 Collocations
magic moment – a moment that is particularly wonderful or moving
work like magic – to be extremely effective or successful
lose its magic – to stop being exciting or special after a period of time
🔄 Synonyms
charm (n.) – A delightful, attractive quality.
enchantment (n.) – A feeling of great pleasure or delight.
allure (n.) – The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
magical (adj.) – Beautiful or delightful in a way that seems removed from everyday life.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'magic' entered English via Old French and Latin from Greek 'mágos', a term for Persian priests. Over centuries, its meaning evolved from referencing rituals and wisdom of ancient priests to encompassing the supernatural and illusionary arts in Western culture.
Meaning 2：illusion arts (magic)
magic
/ˈmædʒɪk/
n.
The art or skill of performing tricks to entertain people, making them seem impossible.
illusion arts
➕
/ɪˈluːʒən ɑːts/
n.
The art of performing tricks and illusions that seem to defy natural laws, primarily for entertainment purposes.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He learned card magic from online tutorials and now often entertains his friends at parties.
He learned card illusion arts from online tutorials and now often entertains his friends at parties.
🔗 Collocations
magic trick – a single feat of illusion designed to entertain
perform magic – to present tricks or illusions as entertainment
stage magic – magic tricks performed for an audience on a stage
🔄 Synonyms
conjuring (n.) – The performance of tricks that are seemingly magical, often involving quick hand movements.
prestidigitation (n.) – A formal term for sleight of hand or the performance of magic tricks.
legerdemain (n.) – Skillful use of one's hands when performing conjuring tricks.
🚫 Antonyms
reality (n.) – The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an illusion.
🌱 Derivatives
magician (n.) – A person who performs magic tricks to entertain.
Meaning 3：supernatural power (magic)
magic
/ˈmædʒɪk/
n.
The use of special mysterious powers to make impossible things happen, as often seen in fairy tales and fantasy stories.
supernatural power
➕
/ˌsuːpəˈnætʃrəl ˈpaʊə/
n.
Mysterious forces or powers that can influence events or objects in ways that defy the known laws of nature, as depicted in fantasy literature and mythology.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In the story, the old wizard used powerful magic to protect the ancient forest from harm.
In the story, the old wizard used powerful supernatural power to protect the ancient forest from harm.
🔗 Collocations
dark magic – magic that is considered evil or harmful
cast a spell – to perform a magic ritual or use magical words to produce an effect
magic wand – a rod believed to be used to channel magical power
🔄 Synonyms
sorcery (n.) – The use of power gained from the assistance or control of spirits, especially for malevolent purposes.
witchcraft (n.) – The practice of magical skills and abilities.
wizardry (n.) – The skill or practice of a wizard; magic.
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