Meaning & Definition of word "Enigma"
Enigma
/ɪˈnɪɡ.mə/
noun:
- 1. a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
- Example: The disappearance of the ancient civilization remains an enigma for historians.
- 2. a riddle or a person or thing that is puzzling or inexplicable.
- Example: Her motives were an enigma, leaving everyone confused about her true intentions.
- 3. a cryptic message or a mysterious statement.
- Example: The detective was faced with an enigma that would test his skills.
Etymology
●From the Latin 'aenigma', from the Greek 'ainigma', meaning 'riddle'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
an enigma wrapped in a riddle:
A complex or obscure situation or person.
figure out the enigma:
To solve or understand a puzzling situation.
Related Words
mystery:
Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.
puzzle:
A game, toy, or problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge.