An enigma refers to something or someone that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. It can describe a person, a situation, or a phenomenon that is shrouded in complexity, making it hard to unravel or interpret. The term is often used to denote a sense of intrigue or ambiguity that invites curiosity. In Indonesian, “enigma” is commonly used as well, capturing the same meaning of something that remains unclear or perplexing.
Synonyms:
- Mystery
- Puzzle
- Riddle
- Conundrum
- Paradox
- Problem
- Secret
- Dilemma
- Quandary
- Bafflement
Example Sentences:
- The disappearance of the ancient civilization remains an enigma that historians have yet to solve.
- His sudden decision to leave the company was an enigma to his colleagues.
- The scientist was an enigma, with brilliant insights but an unpredictable personality.
- The artist’s work was full of enigma, leaving viewers to interpret the deeper meaning.
- The enigma of the missing plane sparked widespread speculation and investigation.
- The enigma of the uncracked code has baffled cryptographers for years.
- Her motives were an enigma, and no one could understand why she made such a drastic choice.
- The ancient ruins are an enigma, with no clear explanation of how they were built or who created them.
- His actions in the courtroom were an enigma to the defense team, who could not predict his next move.
- The enigma of the unsolved crime still haunts the town, with no answers in sight.
Related Words:
- Mystery
- Puzzle
- Riddle
- Paradox
- Dilemma
- Secret
- Conundrum
- Problem
- Uncertainty
- Complexity
Related Phrasal Verbs:
- Work out (to solve or figure out an enigma or mystery)
- Piece together (to gather clues or information in an attempt to understand an enigma)
- Look into (to investigate or try to solve an enigma)
- Get to the bottom of (to understand or unravel the true meaning behind an enigma)
- Clear up (to resolve or make something clearer, especially when it’s an enigma)
- Draw out (to extract details or clues in an effort to solve an enigma)
- Break down (to simplify or analyze an enigma into understandable parts)
- Make sense of (to understand or find clarity in something that is an enigma)
- Crack (to solve or figure out an enigma or code)
- Get to grips with (to begin to understand or come to terms with a confusing enigma)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- A mystery wrapped in an enigma (something that is extremely difficult or impossible to understand, often with layers of complexity)
- Crack the code (to figure out or solve an enigma, often referring to a secret or puzzle)
- An open book (the opposite of an enigma—something or someone that is easy to understand)
- Solve the puzzle (to find the answer or explanation to an enigma or difficult situation)
- In the dark (to be unaware or puzzled by an enigma)
- Out of left field (something unexpected or an enigma that surprises and confounds people)
- A riddle wrapped in a mystery (a phrase similar to “a mystery wrapped in an enigma,” referring to something particularly perplexing)
- A tough nut to crack (something difficult to understand or solve, similar to an enigma)
- Not all it’s cracked up to be (something that is not as clear or easy to understand as it seems, like an enigma)
- On a need-to-know basis (information kept secret or mysterious, like an enigma)
An enigma often carries a sense of fascination and intrigue. It challenges us to think deeper, to investigate further, and to seek understanding in the face of uncertainty. Whether it’s a mysterious event, a complex problem, or a person whose actions remain puzzling, encountering an enigma is an invitation to explore the unknown and embrace the journey of discovery.
