enigma etymology

Etymology

The word "enigma" comes from the Greek word αἴνιγμα (ainigma), meaning "riddle". It is derived from the verb αἰνίσσομαι (ainissomai), meaning "to speak in riddles".

Meaning and Origin

An enigma is something that is difficult to understand or explain. It can be a puzzle, a mystery, or a riddle. Enigmas often involve hidden meanings or symbols that must be deciphered in order to solve them.

The concept of enigmas dates back to ancient times. In Greek mythology, the Sphinx was a creature who posed riddles to travelers. If the traveler could not solve the riddle, the Sphinx would devour them.

In English, the word "enigma" was first used in the 16th century. It was often used to describe something that was inexplicable or mysterious. Today, the word "enigma" is used in a variety of contexts, from puzzles to unsolved mysteries.

Examples

  • The Mona Lisa's smile is an enigma.
  • The mystery of the Bermuda Triangle is an enigma.
  • The human brain is an enigma.

enigma relate terms

  • Aeneas

    Etymology The name Aeneas is derived from Greek Αἰνείας Aineias which is t

  • enigma

    Etymology The word enigma comes from the Greek word αἴνιγμα ainigma meaning

  • enigmatic

    Etymology Enigmatic derives from the Greek word αἴνιγμα ainigma meaning

  • enigma

    Etymology The word enigma comes from the Greek word αἴνιγμα ainigma meaning

  • mystery

    Etymology The word mystery comes from the Late Latin word mysterium which in turn co

  • secret

    Etymology of Secret Old French seceret Latin secretum something kept back Proto

  • riddle

    Etymology of Riddle Early 13th century from Old English rǣdels a riddle an enigm

  • charade

    Etymology From French charade from Late Latin carratum meaning a cartload of wood

  • conundrum

    Etymology The word conundrum is derived from the Latin phrase conundrāre meaning t

  • resect

    Etymology First used in the 16th century Derived from the Latin word resectus which

  • problem

    Etymology Greek πρόβλημα problema obstacle question Latin problema di

  • perplexity

    Etymology From Middle English perplexite from Old French perplexité from Latin perple

  • closed

    Etymology The word closed derives from the Middle English word closen which in turn

  • book

    Etymology The word book originates from the Proto Germanic word bōk which means l