Enigma
Codes, ex-partners, and that one error log that only breaks in production all wear this label.
Learn This WordMeaning
A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
Memory trick
Enigma = a riddle, think of a locked box you can’t open yet.
Examples
To most people, he remained an enigma despite years of working together.
The sudden drop in usage is an enigma we need to investigate.
The ancient inscription is still an enigma to historians.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Greek ainigma "riddle," from ainos "fable, tale."
Usage Notes
Great for writing, storytelling, and analysis when something remains unexplained even after you’ve looked at it.
Real-life contexts
Use for unknowns: "This metric behavior is an enigma, let’s form hypotheses."
Use for people: "He’s an enigma; you never know what he’s thinking."
Use for history: "That artifact remains an enigma."
Common Mistakes
Enigma is not just “difficult.” It specifically implies mystery or puzzlement.
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Start LearningQuick Facts
Part of Speech
noun
Difficulty
intermediateMonthly Searches
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