What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mystic
Example
The mystic spent hours meditating in the temple. [mystic: noun]
Example
She had a mystic experience during her trip to India. [mystic: adjective]
esoteric
Example
The professor's lecture on quantum physics was too esoteric for most of the students. [esoteric: adjective]
Example
The book was written in an esoteric language that only a few scholars could decipher. [esoteric: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mystic is more commonly used than esoteric in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that can be applied to a wider range of contexts. Esoteric, on the other hand, is more often used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mystic and esoteric?
Esoteric is generally considered a more formal word than mystic, as it is often used in academic or technical writing. Mystic, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.