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Meaning & use

talismanic

adjective·Advancedliterary

Last updated

UK/ˌtælɪzˈmænɪk/
US/ˌtælɪzˈmænɪk/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Having the power of a lucky charm; believed to protect or bring good fortune.

    Grammar: Usually appears before a noun, or after a linking verb: a talismanic object, the ring seemed talismanic.

    Patterns

    • talismanic object
    • talismanic power

    The sailor kept a talismanic coin in his pocket on every voyage.

    She treated the old scarf as a talismanic comfort during exams.

    Fans saw the goalkeeper's gloves as almost talismanic.

  2. adjectivebefore a nounfigurative

    Describing a person or symbol so important to a group's success or spirit that it inspires confidence.

    Grammar: Often modifies a person in sport or leadership: a talismanic captain.

    Patterns

    • a talismanic figure
    • talismanic leader

    The team's talismanic captain led them to three titles.

    He became a talismanic figure for the whole movement.

    The talismanic striker scored again in the final.

Word forms

comparativemore talismanic
superlativemost talismanic

Common combinations

talismanic figure
She was a talismanic figure for the school's choir.
talismanic captain
The talismanic captain lifted the trophy.
talismanic quality
The song has a talismanic quality for fans.
talismanic power
The villagers believed in the stone's talismanic power.
seem talismanic
The old jersey seemed talismanic during the playoffs.

Synonyms and how they differ

lucky
Lucky is the everyday word, while talismanic suggests something near to magical or deeply symbolic.
inspirational
Inspirational stresses lifting people's spirits, whereas talismanic stresses the belief that the person or object protects the group.
charmed
Charmed describes a life seeming blessed by luck and does not mean one thing gives the luck.
emblematic
Emblematic means representing an idea, but does not suggest bringing luck.

Opposites

ordinaryunlucky

Word family

talisman noun
an object thought to bring good luck or protection
talismans noun
plural of talisman
amulet noun
a small charm worn for protection
talismanically adverb
in the manner of a lucky charm

Commonly confused: talismanic or talisman?

talismanic vs talisman

A talisman is the lucky object itself, but talismanic is the adjective describing something that acts like one.

Practice

The retiring striker had become a ______ figure, and fans believed the team could not lose when he played.

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