Looking up...
enigma
/ɪˈnɪɡmə/
énigme
The detective was faced with a complex enigma that no one could solve.
Le détective était confronté à une énigme complexe que personne ne pouvait résoudre.
formel
Personne ou chose qui est difficile à comprendre ou à expliquer.
Her behavior remains an enigma to me.
Son comportement reste une énigme pour moi.
The ancient manuscript is an enigma that historians are trying to decipher.
Le manuscrit ancien est une énigme que les historiens tentent de déchiffrer.
Often used in literary, philosophical, or scientific contexts to describe something mysterious or puzzling.
Collocations
Expressions liées
Conseil pro
Context Matters
Use 'enigma' for profound or intellectual mysteries rather than everyday puzzles. For example, 'The disappearance of the manuscript is an enigma' fits, but 'This crossword puzzle is an enigma' sounds overly dramatic.
Règle d'or
Avoid Overuse
Reserve 'enigma' for things that are genuinely mysterious or hard to fathom. Using it for minor issues can dilute its impact.
Origine du mot
From Latin *aenigma*, from Greek *αἴνιγμα* (aínigma), derived from *αἰνίσσομαι* (ainíssomai, "to speak in riddles"), related to *αἶνος* (aînos, "fable, tale").
Notes d'usage
Used to describe something that is inherently mysterious or difficult to interpret, often with a sense of intellectual challenge. Avoid using it for trivial puzzles or riddles; it carries a more profound or philosophical connotation.
Décomposition du mot
enigma
mystery or puzzle
rootDictionnaire Anglais-Français