Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
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Enigma
A person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand; a puzzle.
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Imagine This
It still remains a brain-twister on who is the mother (or inventor) of engines. A curious young lad was puzzled about what was inside an egg, so he asked his mother to crack it open for him to see.
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Sounds Like
ih-NIG-muh
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Looks Like
engine + ma (mother) (visual hint: the word resembles 'engine' with the suffix 'ma' for 'mother')
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Remember This
Origin: Greek ainigma 'a riddle'; the term is used to describe something mysterious or puzzling. The Enigma machine (WWII cipher device) shares the same name and association with mystery.
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Other Forms
enigmaticadjective
enigmaticallyadverb
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Connect With
mystery, puzzle, riddle, conundrum, paradox
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Note
Enigma refers to mystery or puzzling quality and is not used for straightforward facts. Do not confuse with synonyms like 'mystery' in a different nuance; use 'enigma' for something particularly puzzling.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The disappearance of the artifact remains an enigma to researchers.
- Her sudden altercation with the committee is an enigma that baffled colleagues.
Synonyms
mysterypuzzleriddleconundrumparadox
Antonyms
clarityexplanationsolution
Etymology
From Greek ainigma 'a riddle', from ainos 'to speak in riddles' (the exact root is uncertain).
Mnemonic
Enigma: Every Notable Issue Generates Mind-boggling Ambiguity.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Conundrum
nounA puzzling question; a riddle; a problem that is difficult to solve or understand.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
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