Mysticism
/ˈmɪs.tɪ.sɪ.zəm/noun
A spiritual belief system emphasizing direct personal experience of the divine.
Did you know?The term 'mysticism' is rooted in the Greek 'mystikos', meaning 'hidden', reflecting a belief in esoteric knowledge accessible only to a select few.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μυστικός (mystikos)
“pertaining to the mysteries, secretive or hidden knowledge.”
1st Century
Greek
μυστήριον (mystērion)
“a secret rite or doctrine, often associated with religious initiation.”
Middle Ages
Latin
mysticus
“mystical, referring to hidden or spiritual truths.”
16th Century
Old French
mysticisme
“the practice or belief in mystical experiences or insights.”
Modern English
English
mysticism
“the belief in the possibility of direct communion with the divine or ultimate reality.”