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mysterious

 - 3 dictionary results

mys⋅te⋅ri⋅ous

  [mi-steer-ee-uhs]
Use mysterious in a Sentence
–adjective
1. full of, characterized by, or involving mystery: a mysterious occurrence.
2. implying or suggesting a mystery: a mysterious smile.
3. of obscure nature, meaning, origin, etc.; puzzling; inexplicable: a mysterious inscription on the ancient tomb.
Origin:
1610–20; mystery 1 + -ous

Related forms:
mys⋅te⋅ri⋅ous⋅ly, adverb
mys⋅te⋅ri⋅ous⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. secret, esoteric, occult, cryptic. Mysterious, inscrutable, mystical, obscure refer to that which is not easily comprehended or explained. That which is mysterious, by being unknown or puzzling, excites curiosity, amazement, or awe: a mysterious disease. Inscrutable applies to that which is impenetrable, so enigmatic that one cannot interpret its significance: an inscrutable smile. That which is mystical has a secret significance, such as that attaching to certain rites or signs: mystical symbols. That which is obscure is discovered or comprehended dimly or with difficulty: obscure motives. 3. unfathomable, unintelligible, incomprehensible, enigmatic, impenetrable.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To mysterious
mys·te·ri·ous   (mĭ-stîr'ē-əs)   
adj.  

  1. Of, relating to, or being a mystery: mysterious and infinite truths.

  2. Simultaneously arousing wonder and inquisitiveness, and eluding explanation or comprehension: a mysterious visitor; mysterious conduct.


[French mystérieux, from mystère, secret, from Latin mystērium; see mystery1.]
mys·te'ri·ous·ly adv., mys·te'ri·ous·ness n.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean beyond human power to explain or understand. Something mysterious arouses wonder and inquisitiveness: "The sea lies all about us.... In its mysterious past it encompasses all the dim origins of life" (Rachel Carson).
What is esoteric is mysterious because only a select group knows and understands it: a compilation of esoteric philosophical essays.
Arcane applies to what is hidden from general knowledge: arcane economic theories.
Occult suggests knowledge reputedly gained only by secret, magical, or supernatural means: an occult rite.
Something that is inscrutable cannot be fathomed by means of investigation or scrutiny: "It is not for me to attempt to fathom the inscrutable workings of Providence" (Earl of Birkenhead).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

mysterious 
1616, "full of mystery," from L. mysterium (see mystery (1)).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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