enigma
a puzzling or inexplicable occurrence or situation: His disappearance is an enigma that has given rise to much speculation.
a person of puzzling or contradictory character: To me he has always been an enigma, one minute completely insensitive, the next moved to tears.
a saying, question, picture, etc., containing a hidden meaning; riddle.
(initial capital letter) a German-built enciphering machine developed for commercial use in the early 1920s and later adapted and appropriated by German and other Axis powers for military use through World War II.
Origin of enigma
1synonym study For enigma
Other words for enigma
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use enigma in a sentence
Berlin Stories is a treat that showcases two captivating enigmas, Berlin the city and Walser the writer.
Must Reads: Margot Livesey, Robert Walser and More | Wendy Smith, Malcolm Forbes, Jane Ciabattari | February 16, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTIt seems the readiest solution of certain psychological enigmas, and may, for aught we know, be an instinct of fact.
The Myths of the New World | Daniel G. BrintonHe spoke continually of himself, indeed, but still in enigmas; a veiled prophet of egoism.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Volume XXI | Robert Louis StevensonIt appears from the writings of the ancients, that the Greeks and all the Eastern nations, were singularly attached to enigmas.
Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. I | Francis Augustus Cox"You are speaking in enigmas; do explain yourself, Herbert," impatiently urged his wife.
For John's Sake | Annie Frances Perram
“Oh, if you begin to talk in enigmas I for one shall cease to be your friend,” answered Sibyl.
Betty Vivian | L. T. Meade
British Dictionary definitions for enigma
/ (ɪˈnɪɡmə) /
a person, thing, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or ambiguous
Origin of enigma
1Derived forms of enigma
- enigmatic (ˌɛnɪɡˈmætɪk) or enigmatical, adjective
- enigmatically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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