mystery

play

noun mys·tery \ˈmis-t(ə-)rē\

Definition of mystery

plural

mysteries

1a : a religious truth that one can know only by revelation and cannot fully understand the mystery of the Trinityb (1) : any of the 15 events (such as the Nativity, the Crucifixion, or the Assumption) serving as a subject for meditation during the saying of the rosary (2) capitalized : a Christian sacrament; specifically : eucharistc (1) : a secret religious rite believed (as in Eleusinian and Mithraic cults) to impart enduring bliss to the initiate (2) : a cult devoted to such rites
2a : something not understood or beyond understanding : enigma The mystery of his disappearance has never been solved.b obsolete : a private secretc : the secret or specialized practices or ritual peculiar to an occupation or a body of people the mysteries of the tailor's craftd : a piece of fiction dealing usually with the solution of a mysterious crime Reading mysteries was her favorite pastime.
3 : profound, inexplicable, or secretive quality or character the mystery of her smile the mysteries and beauties of nature

Origin and Etymology of mystery

Middle English mysterie, from Latin mysterium, from Greek mystērion, from mystēs initiate

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First Known Use: 14th century

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Synonym Discussion of mystery

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

mystery

noun mys·tery

Definition of mystery

plural

mysteries

1 archaic : trade, craft
2 archaic : a body of persons engaged in a particular trade, business, or profession : guild
3 : mystery play

Origin and Etymology of mystery

Middle English ministry, office, craft, from Anglo-French mesterie, from Late Latin misterium, mysterium, alteration of ministerium service, occupation, from minister servant — more at minister

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

MYSTERY Defined for Kids

mystery

play

noun mys·tery \ˈmi-stə-rē\

Definition of mystery for Students

plural

mysteries

1 : something that has not been or cannot be explained Her disappearance remains a mystery. Their success is a mystery to me.
2 : a piece of fiction about solving a crime