Langimage
English

enigmatic

|e/nig/mat/ic|

C1

/ˌɛnɪɡˈmætɪk/

mysterious

Etymology
Etymology Information

'enigmatic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ainigma,' where 'ainos' meant 'fable' or 'story.'

Historical Evolution

'ainigma' transformed into the Latin word 'aenigma,' and eventually became the modern English word 'enigmatic' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'a riddle or puzzle,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'mysterious or difficult to understand.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.

The enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa has puzzled art historians for centuries.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35