different between mysterious vs mystical

English

Etymology

From Middle French mystérieux.

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -??ri?s
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /m??st???i.?s/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /m??st??i.?s/

Adjective

mysterious (comparative more mysterious, superlative most mysterious)

1. Of unknown origin.

   Synonym: untraceable

2. Having unknown qualities.

   Synonyms: esoteric, uncertain, undefined; see also Thesaurus:mysterious

   Hyponyms: anonymous, faceless, unexplored, unnamed, long-mysterious
3. Difficult to understand.

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:incomprehensible

4. Deliberately evasive or enigmatic.

   Synonyms: see Thesaurus:covert

Derived terms

• mysteriously
• mysteriousness

Related terms

• mystery

Translations

English

Alternative forms

• mysticall (obsolete)
• mystickal (obsolete)

Etymology

From mystic +? -al

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?m?st?k?l/, /?m?st?kl?/

Adjective

mystical (comparative more mystical, superlative most mystical)

1. Relating to mystics or mysticism.
2. Having a spiritual or magical significance that transcends human understanding.
3. Inspiring a sense of spiritual mystery, awe, and fascination.

Related terms

• mysterious
• mystery
• mystic
• mysticality
• mysticalness
• mysticism
• mystify
• mystique

Translations

Further reading

• mystical in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.