Is 'enigma' formal or informal?

What's the difference between 'enigma' and 'mystery'?

How is 'enigma' different from 'mystery'?

Can 'enigma' describe a person?

Is 'enigma' used in academic writing?

Is 'enigma' common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

enigma

/ɪˈnɪɡmə/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A person or thing that is mysterious and difficult to understand.

The code remains an enigma to investigators.
His motives are an enigma.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: 'enigma' suits puzzling people/events with a mysterious, sometimes intellectual tone, unlike 'mystery' (general curiosity), 'riddle' (often a puzzle to solve), and 'puzzle' (a game-like problem). Choose 'enigma' when the difficulty feels deep and elusive.

In other languages

Spanish: Enigma
Japanese: 謎
Korean: 미스터리
Vietnamese: Sự bí ẩn
Chinese: 谜

Etymology

From Greek via Latin; it once meant 'riddle,' so it retains a literary or puzzling nuance.

Common phrases

an absolute enigmasolve the enigmaremain an enigma

Synonyms

puzzle riddle mystery conundrum

Related words

mystery riddle puzzle conundrum

Frequently asked questions

Is 'enigma' formal or informal?: Is 'enigma' formal or informal?
What's the difference between 'enigma' and 'mystery'?: How is 'enigma' different from 'mystery'?
Can 'enigma' describe a person?: Can 'enigma' describe a person?
Is 'enigma' used in academic writing?: Is 'enigma' common in academic writing?