sorcery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency in general conversation, but medium-frequency in literary, fantasy, and historical contexts.Literary, historical, religious, and fantasy genre-specific. The word has a formal or archaic flavor in everyday use.
Quick answer
What does “sorcery” mean?
The use of magic, especially black magic involving the invocation of spirits or supernatural powers, often for harmful purposes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The use of magic, especially black magic involving the invocation of spirits or supernatural powers, often for harmful purposes.
Figuratively, any use of seemingly supernatural skill, deceptive charm, or compelling influence to achieve an outcome, often suggesting trickery or manipulation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. No significant spelling or major definitional variations exist.
Connotations
In the UK, the word may retain slightly more historical or folkloric associations due to older local legends. In the US, it may be more strongly linked to pop-culture fantasy.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, with a slight edge in American English due to its prevalence in the fantasy gaming industry.
Grammar
How to Use “sorcery” in a Sentence
be accused of sorcerypractice sorceryresort to sorceryuse sorcery to + VERBVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sorcery” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sorcerous arts were feared by the villagers.
- He was known for his sorcerous abilities.
American English
- The game features a sorcerous class of characters.
- They uncovered a sorcerous ritual.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare; only used figuratively in hyperbolic phrases like "financial sorcery" to imply deceptive accounting.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, anthropology, and literature (e.g., "accusations of sorcery in medieval Europe").
Everyday
Rare; used figuratively to express amazement ("How did you fix that? It's like sorcery!").
Technical
Not a technical term outside of game design/mechanics (e.g., "the Sorcery skill tree").
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sorcery”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sorcery”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sorcery”
- Confusing it with "wizardry," which often implies more benign or scholarly magic. Using it in a positive, casual context (e.g., 'the sorcery of a great chef') can sound odd, as the word has negative/archaic overtones.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While often used interchangeably, 'sorcery' typically implies the use of learned, ritualistic magic, often involving spells and invocations. 'Witchcraft' can be broader, sometimes implying innate power or a pact with supernatural forces, and is more commonly associated with historical persecution.
Rarely. Its core meaning is neutral-to-negative. Figuratively, it can be used positively but sounds hyperbolic or literary (e.g., 'the sorcery of her violin playing'). In most cases, 'magic' or 'wizardry' is safer for positive connotations.
No, it is not common in everyday conversation. Its primary use is in specific contexts: fantasy literature/games, historical writing, and as a figurative term for impressive or deceptive skill.
No, there is no commonly used verb '*to sorcer' or '*to sorcery'. The related actions are expressed with phrases like 'practice sorcery', 'use sorcery', or with the verb 'to bewitch' or 'to enchant'.
The use of magic, especially black magic involving the invocation of spirits or supernatural powers, often for harmful purposes.
Sorcery is usually literary, historical, religious, and fantasy genre-specific. the word has a formal or archaic flavor in everyday use. in register.
Sorcery: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɔː.sər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɔːr.sɚ.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SORcerer with a CERtificate (SOR-CER-y) in dark magic.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER (arcane, forbidden knowledge); INFLUENCE IS MAGIC ("his political sorcery").
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sorcery' LEAST appropriate?