What does mage mean?
A mage is a person who practices magic, especially one endowed with supernatural powers in folklore or fantasy. The word is chiefly encountered in stories, games, and other imagined settings, where a mage may serve as a wise guide, powerful protector, dangerous adversary, or morally ambiguous character. Although magic can refer to a broad range of practices, beliefs, or deception, mage generally suggests an individual with exceptional or supernatural abilities rather than an ordinary performer of tricks. Its associations with ancient wisdom, mystery, and elemental or arcane power make it especially effective when creating a memorable fantasy character. The modern word derives from an ancient term transmitted through Latin and Old French, linking contemporary fantasy usage with the historical idea of a learned or mysterious practitioner of esoteric knowledge.
nounA person who practices magic, especially one believed to possess supernatural powers. In modern usage, it often refers to a practitioner or character in fantasy and folklore.
- A person who practices magic or is believed to have supernatural powers, especially in folklore, literature, games, or other fantasy settings.
"The village mage offered to guide the travelers through the enchanted forest."
"The mage raised his staff, and a silver light spread across the courtyard."
"Local legends describe the mage as a healer who wandered among the mountain villages."
The regular plural is used when referring to more than one practitioner of magic.
"The two mages exchanged a few quiet words before entering the chamber."
The same ancient Greek root behind magic once referred to priests and learned foreign sages, giving the modern word its aura of mystery and authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mage come from?
The word entered Middle English through Old French mage, which came from Latin magus. Latin magus was borrowed from Greek magos, a term associated with magicians and learned foreign priests or sages. The same root produced English words including magic, magician, and magus.
How mage is actually used
The term is common in fantasy literature and games, where it may denote either a benevolent practitioner or a sinister one. It is rarely used in ordinary modern English as a term for a real practitioner of magic.