occult
uh-KULT
/əˈkʌlt/
Relating to supernatural, mystical, or magical practices; hidden from ordinary view or scientific understanding.
Modern usage heavily associates occult with magic, astrology, or supernatural arts, though historically it meant simply 'hidden'.
The story behind the word. Latin 'occulere' combined 'ob-' (over) with an ancient root meaning 'to cover or hide'. In astronomy, when the moon passes in front of a distant star, it is still called an 'occultation'—literally hiding the star behind a curtain.
Word relationships
- supernatural: Supernatural refers broadly to things outside physical laws; occult specifically implies hidden or secret esoteric lore.
- esoteric: Esoteric focuses on specialized restricted knowledge, while occult emphasizes magical or supernatural elements.
- manifest: Manifest means clearly visible, obvious, and uncovered.
- scientific: Scientific relies on empirical, open, testable observations of physical laws.
Commonly confused with
- cult: A cult is an unorthodox social or religious group; occult refers to hidden supernatural knowledge or arts.
Word family
- occultism (noun): The study or practice of occult sciences or magic.
- occultist (noun): A practitioner or student of occult arts.
Collocations
- occult practices
- occult symbol
- occult power
- occult lore
Example sentences
- "Renaissance scholars often studied natural science and occult practices like alchemy side by side." Historical Study
- "In medical jargon, occult bleeding refers to hidden blood loss not visible to the naked eye." Medical Context
Memory hook
OCCULT looks like 'a COAT' pulled over something to hide it from view. Veiled from ordinary eyes.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'cult' (a religious group with fanatical devotion).
Fun facts
- In medicine today, an 'occult blood test' searches for invisible microscopic traces of blood in human tissue.
Explore more words
divination, covert, obscurity, transcendent, metaphysical, prophecy
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