enigma

noun

enig·​ma i-ˈnig-mə How to pronounce enigma (audio)
e-
1
: something hard to understand or explain
2
: an inscrutable or mysterious person
3
: an obscure speech or writing

Did you know?

Enigma comes from a Greek word that means "to speak in riddles." It applies to things, as well as to people, that puzzle one's mind. Egypt's ancient pyramids and quantum mechanics, for example, might be described as enigmas, as well as physicist Stephen Hawking. In these uses, the word's meaning is a figurative extension of the original "riddle" sense.

Did you know?

Are you an enigma?

A person who is described as an enigma is a bit of a mystery. You never know what that person is really thinking, or what his or her motives for doing something are. An enigma is not easily understood especially because he or she has a confusing mixture of qualities that seem to be in opposition to one another—for example, the attention-seeking but reclusive musician, or the brilliant lawyer who gets lost on the drive home from the grocery store.

The word enigma originally referred not to people but to words, and specifically to words that formed a riddle or complicated metaphor that tested the listener's or reader's alertness and cleverness. This meaning is clearly connected to the word's history. Enigma comes from a Greek word that means "to speak in riddles."

The word enigma didn't jump from referring to riddles to referring to people. In between those uses, it was (and still is) applied to things that puzzle people. Egypt's meticulously constructed Pyramids of Giza or a theory of quantum physics, for example, might be described as enigmas. In these uses, the meaning is simply a figurative extension of the original "riddle" sense.

Choose the Right Synonym for enigma

mystery, problem, enigma, riddle, puzzle mean something which baffles or perplexes.

mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

the mystery of the stone monoliths

problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

problems created by high technology

enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

his suicide remains an enigma

riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

the riddle of the reclusive pop star

puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

Examples of enigma in a Sentence

Despite the enigma of the singularity, the big bang theory is unquestionably one of the most successful ideas in the history of science. Tom Yulsman, Astronomy, September 1999
Many scholars call it the ultimate enigma of the Nazi era, indeed perhaps of modern history: How did the Holocaust happen? And why in Germany? Ralph Blumenthal, New York Times, 10 Jan. 1998
Indeed, the bond that in every individual connects the physiological life and the psychic life—or better the relation existing between the contingence of an individual and the free spirit that assumes it—is the deepest enigma implied in the condition of being human, and this enigma is presented in its most disturbing form in woman. Simone de Beauvoir, translated and edited by H. M. Parshley, The Second Sex, 1953
To his friends, he was always something of an enigma. one of the great enigmas of our time
Recent Examples on the Web Mesa Rock’s plans for governance are something of an enigma. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2024 For many, the business credit world remains an enigma—a complex web of financial jargon, numbers and policies. Brandon Elliott, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Captain's behavior remains an enigma Questions still linger over why Captain Burke, an experienced mariner who knew the Great Lakes well, went down with the Arlington rather than be rescued with the rest of his crew. Stephen Smith, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2024 Although two-thirds of the world's population reside in the 60 countries represented at the Summit, only a few can talk about Brazilian design, Indian fashion remains an enigma for most, and China is merely perceived as a production hub. Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2024 Mysterious bass noises have shaken a Tampa neighborhood for years, leading residents to band together to solve the enigma. Megan Myers, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2024 Strangely enough, research shows that the enigma of déjà vu has more layers than what was previously understood. Mark Travers, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 In the United States, following these practices will not untangle the enigma of how to cover the 2024 Trump campaign and its efforts to stoke divisions. Joel Simon, The New Yorker, 12 Feb. 2024 The film's exquisite clutter extends to its eccentric ensemble, a collection of enigmas that brim with weariness and wonder. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 9 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enigma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin aenigma, from Greek ainigmat-, ainigma, from ainissesthai to speak in riddles, from ainos fable

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of enigma was in 1539

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Cite this Entry

“Enigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enigma. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

enigma

noun
enig·​ma i-ˈnig-mə How to pronounce enigma (audio)
: something hard to understand or explain
enigmatic
ˌen-ig-ˈmat-ik
ˌē-nig-
adjective
also enigmatical
-ˈmat-i-kəl
enigmatically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

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