Riddle
/ˈrɪd.əl/noun
A question or statement intentionally phrased to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, riddles were often used as a form of divination, believed to reveal hidden truths or insights from the divine.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reydh-
“to advise, counsel; to interpret or explain.”
Old English
Old English
rædels
“an obscure, puzzling statement or question.”
Middle English
Middle English
ridel
“a puzzling question or enigma.”
14th Century
Middle English
riddell
“a play on words or a riddle; often associated with poetic forms.”
Modern English
English
riddle
“a question or statement requiring thought to answer or understand.”