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Definition of enigma noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

enigma

noun
 
/ɪˈnɪɡmə/
 
/ɪˈnɪɡmə/
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  1. a person, thing or situation that is mysterious and difficult to understand synonym mystery, puzzle
    • Even after years he still remains an enigma to me.
    Extra Examples
    • Madeleine was still very much an enigma to him.
    • Nobody really knows the answer. It's something of an enigma.
    • The enigma of the giant stones draws visitors from around the world.
    • The tower presents an enigma. How old is it? Who built it?
    Word Originmid 16th cent.: via Latin from Greek ainigma ‘riddle’, from ainissesthai ‘speak allusively’, from ainos ‘fable’.
See enigma in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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