WordGarden.iomagically
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈædʒɪkli/
US
- /ˈmædʒɪkəli/
Meanings
Adverb
by magic or supernatural power
in an unexpectedly effortless or sudden way; as if by magic
Beyond the definition
"Magically" describes something happening by magic or in a way that feels like magic. Sometimes it is literal, as in a fairy tale where a wand magically turns a pumpkin into a coach. More often, it is figurative and points to something surprising, lovely, or hard to explain. A skilled storyteller can magically carry you to another world with words alone. Snow can also magically turn an ordinary backyard into a winter wonderland overnight.
Think of it this way: the word often adds a feeling of wonder. It can describe something that seems to appear, change, or work with little effort, as if some hidden force helped it along. You might say, "The tension magically disappeared," or "The evening magically came together."
"Magically" is an adverb that means either "by magic" or "in a way that seems like magic." In stories, games, and fantasy worlds, it can be fully literal: a door magically opens, a spell magically heals someone, or a character magically disappears. In everyday English, though, it is very often used figuratively for things that happen so smoothly, suddenly, or beautifully that they feel almost unreal.
You might say, "The room magically looked bigger after we opened the curtains," or "Her joke magically changed the mood." In examples like these, no one is claiming real magic is involved. The word simply adds a sense of surprise, charm, or ease. It often appears when something improves quickly, appears at just the right moment, or works better than expected.
The tone of "magically" is usually positive, warm, or full of wonder, but context matters. It can describe beauty, comfort, skill, timing, or transformation. A city street might magically glow after fresh snow. A meal might magically bring everyone to the table. A problem might not magically disappear, which shows the word can also be used in a slightly skeptical or playful way.
What makes "magically" useful is that it blends mystery with feeling. It helps describe moments that seem touched by something special, whether that means real supernatural power in a story or simply a change in real life that feels sudden, easy, or delightful.
Examples
- 1
Stage magic
The magician waved his wand, and the scarf magically changed into a dove.
- 2
Fantasy scene
The castle seemed to appear magically through the morning mist.
- 3
Health change
After a short nap, my headache magically disappeared.
- 4
Unrealistic expectation
A bigger budget won't magically solve all our problems.
- Patternwon't magically + verb
will not happen just because we want it to
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Household surprise
Somehow, the messy kitchen was magically clean by the time the guests arrived.
See also
Similar
- as if by magic
- miraculously
- mysteriously
Shades of meaning
- enchantingly
- effortlessly
- supernaturally
Contrast
- naturally
- mundanely
Used with (collocations)
- magically appears
- magically disappears
- magically transformed
- work magically
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- magicallyadverb