Enigmatic

/ˌɛnɪɡˈmætɪk/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Mysterious and difficult to understand.
The artist's enigmatic smile left everyone wondering about his true feelings.
Puzzling or ambiguous.
She gave an enigmatic answer that only added to the confusion.
Having an aura of mystery.
The ancient ruins had an enigmatic quality that fascinated the explorers.
Not clear or easily understood.
His motivations remained enigmatic despite the investigation.

Etymology

From the Greek 'ainigma', meaning 'riddle'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

an enigmatic smile
A smile that is mysterious and hard to interpret.
enigmatic personality
A personality that is intriguing and not easily understood.
enigma wrapped in a mystery
A situation or person that is completely mysterious.

Related Words

enigma
A person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.
mystique
A fascinating aura of mystery and glamour surrounding someone or something.

Slang Meanings

A term to describe someone who is intriguingly mysterious.
That artist is so enigmatic, I can't figure out what they're trying to express.
Referring to an obscure statement or situation that cannot be easily deciphered.
His response to the question was so enigmatic; nobody knew what he really meant.