Mystery Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：something puzzling or unknown (Mystery)

Mystery 🔊

/ˈmɪstəri/

Something that is hard to understand or explain, like a secret or a fun puzzle.

Mystery concept illustration with friends sharing unsolved tales around a campfire

something puzzling or unknown 🔊

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/ˈsʌmθɪŋ ˈpʌzlɪŋ ɔːr ʌnˈnoʊn/

Something that is difficult to understand or explain, often involving an element of secrecy or intrigue that invites investigation or curiosity.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'mysterion' (secret rite), from 'myein' (to close, as in lips or eyes).

💡 Mnemonic

'My' story is a 'mystery' – I close my eyes (myein) to secrets.

📖 Example

The mystery of how dolphins communicate underwater is still a topic of exciting research for marine biologists. 🔊 The mystery of how dolphins communicate underwater is still a topic of exciting research for marine biologists.

🔗 Collocations

solve a mystery – to find an explanation for something puzzling

remain a mystery – to continue to be unexplained

shrouded in mystery – kept secret or hidden from understanding

🔄 Synonyms

enigma (n.) – Something that is mysterious and hard to understand.

puzzle (n.) – A question or problem that challenges one's understanding.

riddle (n.) – A puzzling question or statement that requires cleverness to solve.

🚫 Antonyms

certainty (n.) – Something known for sure without doubt.

clarity (n.) – The quality of being clear and easy to understand.

solution (n.) – The answer to a problem or puzzle.

🌱 Derivatives

mysterious (adj.) – Difficult or impossible to understand or explain.

mystically (adv.) – In a way that relates to mysteries or hidden meaning.

mystify (v.) – To completely confuse or bewilder someone.

📖 Cultural Story

Mystery originates from Greek 'mysterion' meaning secret religious rites. Its sense evolved from hidden religious knowledge to any unexplained phenomenon.