magia
[maˈɡiː.a]
The Latin word for magic is magia.
magia is used to refer to magic in its general sense, specifically regarding supernatural powers or abilities. For the specific practice of divination or fortune-telling through supernatural means, the term sortilegium is used.
Meaning: illusion performed to give the appearance of magic or the supernatural (noun)
Which one should you use?
While magia refers to the art of magic, magus refers to the person practicing it, such as a magician or sorcerer. To describe things related to magic, you can use the forms magicus or magus.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
magia is a first-declension feminine noun. It changes to magiam when it is the direct object of a verb (accusative case) and changes to magiae in the genitive case to indicate possession or the genitive singular.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse the noun magia (magic) with the adverb magis (more), which is a common mistake for English speakers due to visual similarity.
Did you know?
- In Roman law, the practice of magia was often legally conflated with veneficium, a word meaning 'poisoning'.
- Ancient Romans believed that certain gestures, like the 'mano cornuta' or horn sign, could ward off the effects of magia.
- Because magia comes from the Greek mageía, it was historically associated with the 'Magi', a specific class of Persian priest-astronomers.
Examples in context
- Magia tua hic non operabitur.Your magic won't work here.This sentence uses magia to show how magic might not function in a certain place.Tatoeba #9056306 by shekitten, translation #9056149 by Amastan
- Thomas magiam discit.Tom is studying magic.This sentence uses magia to describe the act of studying magic.Tatoeba #12067598 by shekitten, translation #12036817 by shekitten
- Studium artium magicarum requirit cognitionem profundam et devotionem.The study of magical arts requires deep understanding and dedication.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lucius are watching a street performer.
- JuliaVide! Haec magia vera est.Look! This magic is real.
- LuciusNon est vera, Julia. Est sola deceptio.It is not real, Julia. It is only a deception.
- JuliaSed magia pulchra est.But the magic is beautiful.
- LuciusIta, sed non est vera.Yes, but it is not real.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry magia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries magia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
