Enigma
[ɪ'nɪgmə]
Definition
(n.) A dark, obscure, or inexplicable saying; a riddle; a statement, the hidden meaning of which is to be discovered or guessed.
(n.) An action, mode of action, or thing, which cannot be satisfactorily explained; a puzzle; as, his conduct is an enigma.
Inputed by Henrietta
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Riddle, puzzle, dark saying, obscure question.
Checked by Cindy
Definition
n. a statement with a hidden meaning to be guessed: anything very obscure: a riddle.—adjs. Enigmat′ic -al relating to containing or resembling an enigma: obscure: puzzling.—adv. Enigmat′ically.—v.t. Enig′matise to utter or deal in riddles.—ns. Enig′matist one who enigmatises; Enigmatog′raphy science of enigmas and their solution.
Typed by Cecil
Examples
- To me it was, and ever must be an enigma, how they contrived to spend so much time in doing so little. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- It fell on his face, and the enigma of the dream (a dream it seemed) was at its height. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Shirley, you are a real enigma, whispered Caroline in her ear. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- But my mind had been running on Grace Poole--that living enigma, that mystery of mysteries, as I considered her. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- She surveyed my whole person: in her eyes I read that they had there found no charm powerful enough to solve the enigma. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- There was nothing else left to do; after that he would allow the enigma to drop into the abyss of undiscoverable things. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- I waited now his return; eager to disburthen my mind, and to seek of him the solution of the enigma that perplexed me. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- To me she is an enigma, I responded. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- A dignified shiver pervaded Mrs Wilfer's shoulders and gloves, as who should say, 'An Enigma! Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- You are an enigma, Crispin. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- One of these, if properly applied, will surely solve the enigma. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- The enigma then was explained: this affable and kind little widow was no great dame; but a dependant like myself. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- Standing out like a pier from the further side of the great stream are the remains of the bridge of boats, an enigma. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- I don't understand enigmas. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- Surely the son of Laius was never so bothered by enigmas as was this young country squire. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
Edited by Astor