Meaning & Definition of word "Mystery"
to
Mystery
/ˈmɪstəri/
noun:
- 1. Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.
- Example: The sudden disappearance of the plane remains a mystery to this day.
- 2. A genre of literature or film that involves a crime or puzzle to be solved.
- Example: She enjoys reading mystery novels that keep her guessing until the last chapter.
- 3. A secret or hidden truth.
- Example: The ancient ruins hold many mysteries waiting to be uncovered by archaeologists.
Etymology
From Latin 'mysterium', from Greek 'mysterion', meaning 'secret rite, secret doctrine, mystery.'
Common Phrases and Expressions
mystery novel:
A fictional story that typically involves a crime or puzzle.
mystery shopping:
The act of posing as a customer to evaluate the service of a business.
mystery meat:
A slang term for unidentified or unrecognizable meat, often used humorously.
Related Words
mysterious:
Having an unexplained or concealed nature.
mystification:
The act of making something mysterious or obscure.
mystic:
A person who seeks to attain communion with or discover knowledge about the divine.
Slang Meanings of mystery
Meaning: A puzzling situation or event.
Example Sentence: That car crash was a total mystery; I can't believe how it happened.
Meaning: Something that is hard to figure out.
Example Sentence: This homework is such a mystery; I don’t understand any of it.