/ ˈmædʒɪk; NAmE / noun , adjective , verb
■ noun [ U ]
1.
the secret power of appearing to make impossible things happen by saying special words or doing special things :
Do you believe in magic?
He suddenly appeared as if by magic .
A passage was cleared through the crowd like magic .
—see also black magic
2.
the art of doing tricks that seem impossible in order to entertain people
SYN conjuring
3.
a special quality or ability that sb/sth has, that seems too wonderful to be real
SYN enchantment :
dance and music which capture the magic of India
Like all truly charismatic people, he can work his magic on both men and women.
Our year in Italy was pure / sheer magic.
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IDIOMS
see weave verb
■ adjective
1.
having or using special powers to make impossible things happen or seem to happen :
a magic spell / charm / potion / trick
There is no magic formula for passing exams—only hard work.
2.
( informal ) having a special quality that makes sth seem wonderful :
It was a magic moment when the two sisters were reunited after 30 years.
She has a magic touch with the children and they do everything she asks.
Trust is the magic ingredient in our relationship.
3.
[ not before noun ] ( BrE , informal ) very good or enjoyable :
'What was the trip like?' 'Magic!'
■ verb
( -ck- ) [ vn + adv. / prep. ] to make sb/sth appear somewhere, disappear or turn into sth, by magic, or as if by magic
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French magique , from Latin magicus (adjective), late Latin magica (noun), from Greek magikē (tekhnē) (art of) a magus: magi were regarded as magicians.