Mystery
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.
- An event, situation, or phenomenon that arouses curiosity due to its unknown or hidden nature.
- A literary or cinematic genre focused on solving a crime, puzzle, or enigma.
- A religious truth that is beyond human understanding but revealed by divine means.
- Something that remains unexplained or secret, often invoking intrigue or fascination.
History and Origin
The word “mystery” originates from the Latin mysterium, meaning “secret rite or doctrine,” and from the Greek mystērion, which refers to a secret or hidden thing. The term was first used in the context of religious rites and teachings that were only revealed to initiates. Over time, the meaning expanded to include anything enigmatic or puzzling. By the 16th century, “mystery” also referred to literary works involving suspense and intrigue.
Detailed Explanation
“Mystery” encompasses the idea of the unknown or hidden, whether in the form of an unsolved event, a puzzling phenomenon, or a divine concept. It intrigues human curiosity and invites exploration, discovery, or understanding. In literature and entertainment, mysteries often involve suspense, clues, and the eventual revelation of the truth. In religious contexts, the term refers to sacred truths that are beyond human comprehension. In everyday use, “mystery” can describe anything from a strange occurrence to a person with an enigmatic personality.
Example Sentences
- The disappearance of the artifact remains a mystery to archaeologists.
- Her sudden change in behavior was a mystery to everyone.
- The detective solved the mystery after finding the missing clue.
- Ancient civilizations left behind mysteries that still puzzle researchers today.
- The origins of the universe remain one of the greatest mysteries of science.
- She’s such a private person that her life is a bit of a mystery.
- The movie is a gripping mystery about a missing person.
- Religious mysteries often require faith to accept and understand.
- The book captivated readers with its intricate plot and mysterious characters.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Enigma – Something puzzling or difficult to understand.
- Riddle – A question or problem that requires cleverness to solve.
- Puzzle – A problem or situation that needs solving or explanation.
- Secret – Something kept hidden or unknown.
- Conundrum – A confusing or challenging problem or situation.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Obscurity – The state of being unknown or difficult to comprehend.
- Ambiguity – The quality of having multiple interpretations, often adding to the mystery.
- Intrigue – Arousing curiosity or fascination, often due to mystery.
- Cryptic – Having a hidden meaning, contributing to the sense of mystery.
- Unknown – Something not identified or understood, often regarded as mysterious.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Paradox – A statement or situation that appears contradictory but contains a hidden truth.
- Mystique – An aura of mystery or fascination surrounding a person or thing.
- Uncertainty – A lack of clear understanding, adding to the sense of mystery.
- Phenomenon – An observable event, often puzzling or mysterious.
- Supernatural – Beyond natural explanation, often associated with mystery.
Antonyms
- Clarity
- Solution
- Explanation
- Certainty
- Transparency