Word
enigma
Phoneticsenig·ma
US/ɪˈnɪɡmə/
UK/ɛnˈɪɡmɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. something or someone that is mysterious and very difficult to understand.
n. a person, thing, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to interpret. Often carries a connotation of intellectual challenge or intrigue.
Examples
“The reason for his sudden departure remains an enigma.”
“Despite years of research, the purpose of the ancient stone circle remains a complete enigma to archaeologists.”
“The reclusive billionaire was a true enigma, rarely appearing in public and never granting interviews to the press that obsessed over his private life.”
Examples
simple
“The reason for his sudden departure remains an enigma.”
contextual
“Despite years of research, the purpose of the ancient stone circle remains a complete enigma to archaeologists.”
complex
“The reclusive billionaire was a true enigma, rarely appearing in public and never granting interviews to the press that obsessed over his private life.”
Usage
Often paired with the verbs 'remain' or 'be'.
Real-World Examples
“For decades physicists have been puzzling over the enigma of dark matter.” “In the middle of all this is Theo James’s Eddie, a thick-armed enigma wrapped in a yawn.” Etymology
From Latin aenigma (“riddle”), being derived itself from the Ancient Greek verbal noun αἴνιγμα (aínigma, “dark saying, speaking in riddles”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/enigma