Enigma
/ɪˈnɪɡ.mə/noun
A person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.
Did you know?The word 'enigma' is closely related to the ancient Greek practice of oracular divination, where riddles were often used to convey hidden truths.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
αἴνιγμα
“A riddle or obscure saying.”
Late Latin
Latin
aenigma
“A riddle, mystery, or puzzling statement.”
Old French
Old French
enigma
“An obscure or puzzling phrase.”
15th Century
English
enigma
“A riddle or puzzling situation, used in literature and conversation.”
Modern English
English
enigma
“A term for something that is mysterious or difficult to comprehend.”