Magic Comes From the Persian Priests Called Magi
Magic is the use of supernatural power. The word traces to the magi, a priestly class of ancient Persia.
Magic is the supposed use of supernatural power to influence events. The word comes from a job title: the *magi* were a priestly caste of the Medes and Persians, expert in astrology and ritual, and Greek writers turned their name into a word for their practices. The three wise men of the nativity are called magi for the same reason. The related *magus* survives as the singular, and *magician* is built on it.
- Supernatural power. *Ancient magic.*
- Conjuring. *A magic trick.*
- Magi — the Persian priests. *The three magi.*
- Magician — a practitioner. *A stage magician.*
- Old Persian — *magu*, a priest. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | magic | Dark magic. |
| Adjective | magic | A magic wand. |
| Adjective | magical | A magical evening. |
| Agent | magician | A magician. |
| Singular | magus | A magus. |
- The trick looked like magic.Conjuring.
- The magi came from the east.The nativity.
- Magu meant a priest in Old Persian.Etymology.
Magic or magical?
- Magic before a noun — a magic wand, a magic spell
- Magical for quality — a magical evening, magical realism
- Magic suggests actual supernatural function
- Magical suggests a wonderful impression
- Both are correct, and the choice changes the meaning
Greek *magike tekhne*, the magian art, from *magos*, a member of the Persian priestly caste, from Old Persian *magu*.
Who were the magi?
A priestly caste of the Medes and Persians, known for astrology and ritual. Their name gave English the word magic.
Is it magic or magical?
Magic usually precedes a noun and suggests real power; magical describes a wonderful quality or impression.