magical

Everyday

1. Made by magic or having magic powers, like in fairy tales: «a magical sword». tree →
2. Wonderful and special, so lovely it feels like magic: «a magical evening». tree →

In the lessons

In stories, magical objects (wands, rings, cloaks) have special powers, and magical creatures (unicorns, dragons) live in imaginary worlds. In everyday life people say «magical» about a beautiful or exciting time: «Christmas morning felt magical». In science lessons, things that look magical (a rainbow, a magnet) have real explanations. Phrases: «magical powers», «a magical place», «magical thinking».

Examples

• The witch had a magical cat that could talk. tree →
• The snowy forest looked magical in the moonlight. tree →
• The fairy gave her a magical ring. tree →
• Our trip to the beach was magical. tree →
• Magnets can seem magical, but they work by a force called magnetism. tree →
• In the book, the wardrobe is a magical door to another world. tree →
• The lights at the Christmas fair were magical. tree →
• «Magical thinking» means believing something will happen just because you wish it. tree →
• She had a magical looking-glass, to which she used to go and gaze upon herself in it, and say-- tree →

Note

Adjective from «magic» + «-al». «Magic» is also an adjective: «a magic wand» and «a magical wand» are both fine; «magical» is used more for feelings («a magical day»). Adverb: «magically». Spelling: magic-al. Not a maths word, though «magic squares» are a maths puzzle.