enigma

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'enigma' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'enigma' when you want to refer to something that is mysterious, puzzling or difficult to understand. For example, "The identity of the thief remains an enigma to everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At the end of the story, the enigma had still not been solved.

The Guardian

And this despite The Amazing Spider-Man 2 having begun to deliver a sense of a satisfying wider fantasy universe linked to Norman Osborn's evil legacy at Oscorp Industries – not to mention the ongoing enigma of Peter Parker's father, Richard (which will presumably now be left unresolved).

The Guardian - Film

He has created some of the most recognisable and iconic objects of our age, but Apple's head designer Jony Ive has always been something of an enigma.

The Guardian - Tech

Without a Commons seat, he remained an enigma to his colleagues, outside the mainstream and, for some, a figure not to be trusted.

The Guardian

Annunciation scenes are profound moments of enigma in which a woman encounters the divine in the quiet of her home.

The Guardian - Arts

He remains something of an enigma, happy to stay out of the limelight.

The Guardian

But Jaruzelski remains an enigma and the debate over his actions is certain to continue.

The Guardian

In the images in global circulation, grabbed from a Guardian video, he avoids the one facial expression that might undermine his enigma: he doesn't smile.

The Guardian

"Marilyn was an enigma," he later said.

The Guardian - Film

They were an enigma.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Such was the reliance on phone hacking for stories that one senior journalist was desperate for Evans to create "an enigma-type machine that would automatically crack pin codes", the court was told.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enigma", ensure the context clearly establishes what is puzzling or mysterious. Avoid vagueness by specifying the subject of the mystery.

Common error

Avoid using "enigma" when a simpler word like "mystery" or "problem" would suffice. Using it in straightforward situations can sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "enigma" is as a noun, representing something or someone that is puzzling, mysterious, or inexplicable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, demonstrating its versatility in describing abstract and concrete subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "enigma" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, denoting something puzzling or mysterious. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, highlighting its versatility across various contexts. While "enigma" is appropriate in many situations, consider simpler alternatives like "mystery" or "puzzle" for straightforward contexts. Remember to clearly define the subject of the "enigma" to avoid vagueness. Its prevalence in reputable news sources such as The Guardian, The Economist, and The New York Times underscores its reliability, affirming that "enigma" is a strong choice for conveying a sense of mystery and complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mystery

Focuses on the element of something not easily understood or explained.

puzzle

Highlights the aspect of needing to be solved or figured out.

conundrum

Emphasizes a difficult question or problem.

riddle

Implies a question or statement intentionally phrased to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning.

paradox

Stresses a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated may prove to be well founded or true.

unsolved mystery

Highlights the unresolved nature of something puzzling.

inexplicable occurrence

Focuses on the inability to explain an event or situation.

unfathomable concept

Stresses the difficulty in fully understanding an idea.

unanswerable question

Implies a question that cannot be definitively resolved.

bewilderment

Focuses on confusion and disorientation.

FAQs

How can I use "enigma" in a sentence?

You can use "enigma" to describe someone or something that is puzzling, mysterious, or difficult to understand. For instance, "The artist's true intentions remain an enigma."

What words can I use instead of "enigma"?

Alternatives to "enigma" include "mystery", "puzzle", or "conundrum", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is an "enigma"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to describe a person as an "enigma" if they are difficult to understand or figure out. For example, "He was always something of an enigma to his colleagues."

What is the difference between "enigma" and "riddle"?

"Enigma" refers to something puzzling or mysterious, while "riddle" specifically refers to a question or statement intentionally phrased to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning.