cabalistic

/,kæbə'listik/

Thân thiện

The ancient manuscript contains cabalistic symbols in its margins.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a secret or hidden meaning; mysterious and known only to the initiated: Relating to or characteristic of a secret doctrine or esoteric knowledge, often of a mystical or occult nature.
   • Resembling or characteristic of the Kabbalah: Pertaining to the ancient Jewish tradition of mystical interpretation of the Bible, or more broadly, to any similarly esoteric system.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The manuscript was filled with cabalistic diagrams that only a few scholars could interpret.
  • He spoke in a cabalistic language, full of obscure references and hidden meanings.
  • The cabalistic symbols on the ancient monument have puzzled archaeologists for centuries.

Advanced Usage

• "Cabalistic interpretation": An explanation that seeks a hidden, mystical, or allegorical meaning beneath the surface of a text or symbol.

  • His cabalistic interpretation of the poem revealed layers of meaning unseen by casual readers.

• "Cabalistic tradition": Refers to a body of secret knowledge or mystical practices passed down through a select group.

  • The order was dedicated to preserving a cabalistic tradition dating back to the Middle Ages.

Variants and Related Words

• Cabala / Kabbalah (n): The Jewish mystical tradition; any esoteric or secret doctrine.

  • He spent years studying the Kabbalah.

• Cabalism (n): The principles or doctrines of the Kabbalah; adherence to mystical interpretations.

  • His philosophy was influenced by cabalism.

• Cabalist (n): A person who is versed in or practices cabala; a person who delights in obscure mysteries.

  • The cabalist claimed to understand the hidden codes within the sacred text.

Synonyms

• Cryptic: Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure.
• Esoteric: Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge.
• Occult: Relating to mystical, supernatural, or magical powers, practices, or phenomena.
• Arcane: Understood by few; mysterious or secret.
• Sibylline: Mysterious and cryptic; prophetically ambiguous.

Antonyms

• Plain: Clear and understandable.
• Exoteric: Intended for or likely to be understood by the general public.
• Straightforward: Uncomplicated and easy to understand.
• Explicit: Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Cabalistic lore": The body of knowledge, stories, and traditions associated with secret mystical teachings.

  • The book delves into the cabalistic lore of ancient alchemists.

• "Of cabalistic significance": Having importance or meaning within a secret or mystical framework.

  • The number seven held cabalistic significance for the sect.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. having a secret or hidden meaning
   • cabalistic symbols engraved in stone
   • cryptic writings
   • thoroughly sibylline in most of his pronouncements- John Gunther

Từ đồng nghĩa

• kabbalistic
• qabalistic
• cryptic
• cryptical
• sibylline