The spelling of the word "occults" is rooted in the Latin word "occultus," meaning "hidden" or "secret." In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "occults" would be /əˈkʌlts/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by a stressed "kull" sound. The "t" is pronounced as a voiceless consonant at the end, which is important to differentiate the word from "occult," which is pronounced with a voiced consonant. Overall, the spelling of "occults" accurately reflects its Latin origin and pronunciation.
Occults, in its verb form, refers to the action of concealing or hiding something from view or knowledge, typically by covering or obscuring it completely. The term can also signify the act of making something mysterious or secret, often associated with supernatural or mystical phenomena.
The word originates from the Latin word "occultare," meaning "to hide." It is commonly used within contexts pertaining to the occult or supernatural practices, where mystical knowledge, rituals, or powers are hidden or kept away from the general populace. Occults might involve the practice of divination, magic, or communication with spirits, among other esoteric activities.
In a broader sense, occults can be associated with anything concealed or kept secret, beyond the realm of ordinary understanding. It can describe ambiguously dark or enigmatic subjects that are not easily comprehensible or explained by conventional means.
Occults can also refer to celestial phenomena, especially when celestial bodies or objects obscure or block the view of one another. For instance, during a solar eclipse, the moon occults or obscures the sun, resulting in temporary darkness or partial shadowing.
Furthermore, in scientific literature, "occultation" is often used to describe the phenomenon in which one celestial body passes in front of another, thereby blocking its light temporarily. Studies of occultations have contributed to our understanding of planetary bodies and their characteristics.
Overall, the term "occults" encapsulates the act of concealing, hiding, or making something mysterious, whether it be related to mystical practices, secrets, or celestial events.
The word "occults" is derived from the Latin word "occultus", which means "hidden" or "concealed". It comes from the past participle of the verb "occulere", meaning "to cover" or "to hide". The term "occult" is commonly used to refer to supernatural or mysterious phenomena, often associated with magic, divination, or supernatural powers.