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enigma

noun

/əˈnɪg mə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of enigma

A mysterious, perplexing, or puzzling situation, event, or person that is difficult to understand or explain.
"The enigma of human consciousness has puzzled philosophers and scientists for centuries."

Detailed meaning of enigma

It represents a conundrum or a riddle that challenges conventional knowledge or reasoning. Enigmas often evoke a sense of intrigue, fascination, and curiosity due to their elusive nature. They possess qualities that defy simple explanations or logical interpretations, leaving individuals in a state of uncertainty or confusion. Enigmas can exist in various domains, including literature, science, art, and human behavior. They inspire investigation, analysis, and contemplation as individuals attempt to unravel their complexities and unlock their hidden meanings. The term "enigma" carries an air of mystery and invites intellectual exploration, encouraging individuals to delve deeper into the unknown to uncover hidden truths or insights.

Example sentences containing enigma

1. The ancient artifact discovered by archaeologists posed an enigma that baffled experts for years.
2. The disappearance of the famous magician from the locked room was an enigma that left audiences spellbound.
3. The enigma of the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile continues to intrigue art enthusiasts worldwide.
4. The cryptic message left behind by the spy was an enigma that required careful deciphering.
5. The enigma surrounding the Bermuda Triangle has given rise to countless theories and speculations.
6. The coded puzzle in the escape room presented an enigma that required teamwork to solve.

History and etymology of enigma

The noun 'enigma' has a fascinating etymology that adds to its mystique. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'aenigma,' which was used to describe a riddle or a dark saying. This Latin term itself derives from the Greek word 'ainigma,' which referred to a riddle or a puzzle. The Greek root 'ainissesthai' means 'to speak in riddles.' This rich etymological history underscores the idea of an enigma as a mysterious, perplexing, or puzzling situation, event, or person that is difficult to understand or explain, often akin to deciphering a complex riddle or puzzle.

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Further usage examples of enigma

1. The behavior of the reclusive author remained an enigma to his dedicated readers.
2. The ancient language inscribed on the stone tablet presented an enigma to linguists and historians.
3. The mathematician's groundbreaking theorem resolved a long-standing enigma in the field of number theory.
4. The enigma of the Loch Ness Monster continues to captivate believers and skeptics alike.
5. The true identity of the anonymous street artist Banksy remains an enigma to the art world.
6. The sudden disappearance of the ancient artifact remains an unsolved enigma.
7. Her enigmatic smile left everyone wondering about her true feelings.
8. Solving the riddle was a daunting task; it was a true enigma.
9. The enigma of the Bermuda Triangle continues to baffle scientists.
10. The cryptic symbols on the old map posed an enigma for historians.
11. The enigma of consciousness has puzzled philosophers for centuries.
12. The unsolved murder case became a true enigma for detectives.
13. His enigmatic behavior raised suspicions among his colleagues.
14. Unraveling the enigma of dark matter is a major scientific quest.
15. The mysterious crop circles are an enduring enigma.
16. The Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile captivates art enthusiasts.
17. The sudden stock market crash was an economic enigma.
18. The disappearance of the ancient civilization remains an archaeological enigma.
19. The enigma of time travel continues to fascinate sci-fi enthusiasts.
20. The encrypted message presented a challenging enigma for codebreakers.
21. The enigma of a black hole's singularity baffles physicists.
22. The elusive Bigfoot remains an enigma in cryptozoology.
23. Her enigmatic decision to leave without explanation puzzled her friends.
24. The enigma of why cats purr remains a scientific mystery.
25. The enigma of the locked room murder gripped the detective's mind.