nonmagical
|non-mag-ic-al|
🇺🇸
/nɑnˈmædʒɪkəl/
🇬🇧
/nɒnˈmædʒɪkəl/
absence of magic
Etymology
'nonmagical' is a modern English formation combining the negative prefix 'non-' and the adjective 'magical'. 'non-' ultimately comes from Latin 'non', where 'non' meant 'not'. 'magical' comes from Latin 'magicus' (via Old French 'magique') and from Greek 'magikos', relating to a 'magus' or magic.
'magical' changed from Greek 'magikos' to Latin 'magicus', then Old French 'magique', and entered Middle/Modern English as 'magical'. The negative prefix 'non-' was used in Middle English and continued into Modern English to form negations like 'nonmagical'.
Initially, 'magical' referred to matters relating to magi or magic practices; over time it broadened to mean 'of or relating to magic' in general. 'Nonmagical' therefore developed to mean 'not having magical properties' and retains that straightforward negative sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not magical; lacking magic, supernatural power, enchantment, or properties associated with magic.
The old sword was nonmagical but well-forged and still useful in battle.
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Adjective 2
in gaming or fantasy contexts: describing items, attacks, abilities, or effects that do not derive from or count as magic (often contrasted with 'magical' or 'magic-based').
Only nonmagical weapons can be used in that challenge, so players must rely on physical damage.
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Last updated: 2025/09/20 06:47