different between mystic vs gymnosophist

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

Etymology

From French gymnosophiste, from Latin gymnosophistae, from Ancient Greek ????????????? (gumnosophistaí), from ?????? (gumnós, “naked”) + ???????? (sophist?s, “sophist”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /d???m?n?s?f?st/

Noun

gymnosophist (plural gymnosophists)

1. One of a school of ancient Indian ascetic philosophers, reported in antiquity, who wore little clothing; a mystic.
   • , vol.I, New York, 2001, p.250:

     As that gymnosophist in Plutarch made answer to Alexander (demanding which spake best), Every one of his fellows did speak better than the other: so may I say of these causes […].