What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mysticism
Example
The mystics believe that there is a hidden knowledge that can only be accessed through spiritual practices. [mystics: noun]
Example
She had a mystical experience during her meditation, feeling a deep connection with the universe. [mystical: adjective]
transcendentalism
Example
Transcendentalism was a movement that celebrated the beauty of nature and the individual's connection to it. [Transcendentalism: noun]
Example
He was a transcendentalist who believed that people should rely on their own intuition to understand the world. [transcendentalist: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mysticism is more commonly associated with religious and spiritual traditions, while Transcendentalism is more commonly associated with literature and philosophy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mysticism and transcendentalism?
Both Mysticism and Transcendentalism are formal words that are typically used in academic or intellectual contexts.