different between mystic vs eldritch

English

Alternative forms

• mystick (archaic)
• mystical (adjective)

Etymology

From Old French mistique, from Latin mysticus, from Ancient Greek ???????? (mustikós, “secret, mystic”), from ?????? (múst?s, “one who has been initiated”). Doublet of mystique.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?m?st?k/
• Rhymes: -?st?k

Adjective

mystic (comparative more mystic, superlative most mystic)

1. Of, or relating to mystics, mysticism or occult mysteries; mystical.

   a mystic dance

2. Mysterious and strange; arcane, obscure or enigmatic.
   • 1842, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Threnody

     Heaven's numerous hierarchy span / The mystic gulf from God to man.

Translations

Noun

mystic (plural mystics)

1. Someone who practices mysticism.

Translations

Related terms

• mysterious
• mystery
• mystical
• mysticism
• mystify
• mystique

References

• mystic in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• Douglas Harper (2001–2021) , “mystic”, in Online Etymology Dictionary
• mystic in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• mystic at OneLook Dictionary Search

English

Alternative forms

• eldrich, elrich, elritch

Etymology

From the earlier form elritch, of uncertain origin. The second element, -ritch, is generally taken to be Old English r??e (“realm, kingdom”) (see riche). Some think the first element, el-, derives from an Old English root meaning "foreign, strange, other" (related to Old English ellende and modern English else); others think it derives from elf. Reintroduced into popular literature by the writings of H. P. Lovecraft.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??ld??t?/

Adjective

eldritch (comparative more eldritch, superlative most eldritch)

1. Unearthly, supernatural, eerie.

References