Definition

Adjective: 1. Relating to or having a secret, mystical, or esoteric meaning: Of or pertaining to the Kabbalah (a form of Jewish mysticism), or more broadly, to any doctrine, text, or symbol that is mysterious, obscure, and understood only by the initiated.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The manuscript was filled with qabalistic diagrams that only the scholars could interpret.
  • His explanation of the theory was so qabalistic that it left the audience more confused than enlightened.
  • The ancient text's qabalistic nature has fascinated theologians for centuries.

Advanced Usage

• "qabalistic interpretation": An explanation of a text, especially a religious scripture, that seeks a hidden, mystical, or allegorical meaning beneath its literal surface.
  • The rabbi offered a qabalistic interpretation of the creation story.

Variants and Related Words

• Kabbalistic (adj): The more common alternate spelling of , with the same meaning.
• Cabalistic (adj): Another common variant spelling, also used to describe something secretive or relating to a clique.
• Kabbalah (n): The body of Jewish mystical teachings.
• Esoteric (adj): Intended for or understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge.
• Arcane (adj): Understood by few; mysterious or secret.

Synonyms

• Cryptic: Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure.
• Mystical: Relating to mysticism or spiritual communion.
• Occult: Relating to mystical, supernatural, or magical powers, practices, or phenomena.
• Sibylline: Mysterious and cryptic; prophetically ambiguous.

Antonyms

• Plain: Clear and unambiguous.
• Exoteric: Intended for or likely to be understood by the general public.
• Straightforward: Uncomplicated and easy to understand.
• Literal: Taking words in their usual or most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.

Adjective

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