gaib

Indonesian

Alternative forms

• ghaib, ghoib (nonstandard)

Etymology

From Arabic غَيْب (ḡayb, “that which is unseen, unperceived, unwitnessed, yet to be seen”). Doublet of raib.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɡa.ɪp̚/
• Rhymes: -ɪp̚
• Hyphenation: ga‧ib

Adjective

gaib (comparative lebih gaib, superlative paling gaib or tergaib, equative segaib)

1. enchanting (having the ability to enchant)
2. esoteric (having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations)
3. not directly visible; can only be seen with a power; can be roughly translated as invisible.
4. magical

   Synonym: magis

   1. of, relating to, or by means of magic.
   2. enchanting; having the ability to enchant.
5. mystical (having a spiritual or magical significance that transcends human understanding)

   Synonym: mistis

6. occult
   1. related to the occult; pertaining to mysticism, magic, or astrology.
   2. esoteric; having to do with concepts that are highly theoretical and without obvious practical application; often with mystical or religious connotations.
7. supernatural

   Synonym: supernatural

   1. above nature; beyond or added to nature, often so considered because it is given by a deity or some force beyond that which humans are born with.
   2. not of the usual; not natural; altered by forces that are not understood fully if at all.

Derived terms

• gaib-gaiban
• gaibkan
• kegaiban
• menggaib

 

Further reading

• “gaib” in Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia, Jakarta: Agency for Language Development and Cultivation – Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, 2016.