In case you were wondering, warlocks and wizards are not always the same thing and they are not always interchangeable.
Warlocks, wizards, witches, mages, enchanters, and sorcerers: what do they all have in common? Magic. However, in some cases, how their magic is practiced is the defining difference.
Warlock comes from Old English, meaning oath-breaker. On occasion, they are seen as exiled magic practitioners that have turned against their vows and broken magical law. They tend to be noted as “bad” magic users. However, they are also referred to as “advanced” magic users, on a higher level than a common wizard.
Wizard comes from Middle English, meaning wise. Many times, when you see a wizard in literature, he is a kindly old man that offers advice and aids passerby in their quests. Often, wizards are noted for dabbling in alchemy. They are studious and gain their power through knowledge and a use of spell books.
Witch is a broad term. Most notably, it refers to a female practitioner of magic, often used to harm another individual. In its purest form, the term refers to someone utilizing the “old forms” of witchcraft, often involving paganism. They often in groups called covens. They are also noted for using herbs and natural ingredients in their spells, curses, etc. They are magicians of the earth and their power comes from nature.
Mage comes from Ancient Greek, meaning magician. The name itself sends a connotation of a profession more than anything else. They are often a magician for hire. They acquire their knowledge through study and then offer what they have learned for monetary or personal gain. They are a “general practitioner” and can often do a little bit of everything.
Enchanters can change the disposition of the world around them. While they do not cast direct spells, they alter the world around them to fit their needs. They can affect an object or a person, but in a more passive fashion. They are masters of manipulation. They “enchant” objects with curses and spells.
Sorcerer comes from Latin, meaning one who influences fate. They are known for their natural charisma and innate ability to control those around them. They channel an internal power from which their magical ability originates. They are born with the knowledge and, as they say, practice makes perfect. They are masters of, specifically, arcane magic.
So, let me break this down in a tl;dr fashion:
Warlock - negative connotation; a “bad” wizard
Wizard - generally seen as helpful and kind; alchemy; knowledge
Witch - works in a group; paganism; herbal/natural ingredients
Mage - profession; learned ability
Enchanter - alters the world around them; manipulation
Sorcerer - charismatic; internal power; arcane magic
Supplementary information found here, here, and here.
Image credit: here.
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