# magic

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈmad͡ʒɪk/ · frequency rank #1,796

## Definitions
1. The application of rituals or actions, especially those based on occult knowledge, to subdue or manipulate natural or supernatural beings and forces in order to have some benefit from them.
2. The application of rituals or actions, especially those based on occult knowledge, to subdue or manipulate natural or supernatural beings and forces in order to have some benefit from them.
3. The application of rituals or actions, especially those based on occult knowledge, to subdue or manipulate natural or supernatural beings and forces in order to have some benefit from them.
4. The application of rituals or actions, especially those based on occult knowledge, to subdue or manipulate natural or supernatural beings and forces in order to have some benefit from them.
5. Something producing successful and remarkable results, especially when not fully understood; an enchanting quality; exceptional skill.
6. Something producing successful and remarkable results, especially when not fully understood; an enchanting quality; exceptional skill.
7. The art or practice of performing conjuring tricks and illusions to give the appearance of supernatural phenomena or powers.
8. The art or practice of performing conjuring tricks and illusions to give the appearance of supernatural phenomena or powers.

## Etymology
From Middle English magik, magyk, from Old French magique (noun and adjective), from Latin magicus (adjective), magica (noun use of feminine form of magicus), from Ancient Greek μαγικός (magikós, “magical”), from μάγος (mágos, “magus”). Ultimately from Old Iranian, probably derived from Proto-Indo-European *meh₂gʰ- (“to be able to, to help; power, sorcerer”). Displaced native Old English ġealdor (survived in Middle English galder), and dwimmer.

## Easily confused with
- **mic** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-mic)
- **mai** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-mai)
- **main** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-main)
- **mail** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-mail)
- **marc** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-marc)
- **maid** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-maid)
- **Mali** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-mali)
- **Maui** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-maui)
- **maxi** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-maxi)
- **mani** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-mani)
- **Mari** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-mari)
- **Mags** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-mags)
- **Maia** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-maia)
- **Mais** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-mais)
- **maki** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-maki)
- **mami** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-mami)
- **mahi** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-mahi)
- **mair** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-mair)
- **maim** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-maim)
- **music** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/magic-vs-music)

## Common misspellings (7)
`amgic`, `magci`, `maggic`, `magicc`, `maigc`, `mgaic`, `mmagic`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/magic