Spanish Conversation · Level 139
45 words
Spanish word
enigma
Pronunciation
IPA/eˈniɣma/
Meaning
- masculine nounmystery
Example
Tu silencio es un enigma.
Your silence is a mystery.
More examples
Descifraron un enigma antiguo gracias a nuevas pruebas.
They deciphered an ancient enigma thanks to new evidence.
Core concept
A rolled-up riddle tied with a cord and kept in darkness.
Common phrases
resolver un enigma
solve an enigma
descifrar un enigma
decipher an enigma
ser un enigma
be an enigma
Similar words
misterio: An unexplained strange event or occurrence that arouses curiosity.
secreto: Information or facts deliberately kept hidden from others.
incógnita: An unknown identity, value, or answer that has not yet been determined.
acertijo: A worded puzzle or riddle formulated to be solved for a clear answer.
Definition in Spanish
Persona, situación o cosa cuya naturaleza o explicación resulta oculta y difícil de descubrir.
Word origin
The Spanish word ultimately traces to Greek αἴνιγμα via Latin enigma, with the sense centered on riddles and speaking in a veiled or enigmatic way.
Usage tips
- Enigma emphasizes a hidden explanation and is often contrasted with misterio when the focus is on a puzzling cause or nature rather than a general unknown.
Other meanings
- puzzlenoun
Opposites
- soluciónsolutionnoun
Related words
- enigmáticoenigmaticadjective
- enigmáticamenteenigmaticallyadverb