el enigma
enigma
Definition & meaning
An enigma refers to a person, thing, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. It is often used to describe a riddle or a statement that has a hidden meaning which requires interpretation. In a figurative sense, it can describe someone whose behavior or personality is contradictory or obscure.
Grammar & Word origin
The word enigma is a masculine noun (el enigma). Although it ends in the letter "a," which usually indicates a feminine noun in Spanish, it follows the rule of many words of Greek origin ending in "-ma" that retain their masculine gender.
The term originates from the Latin word aenigma, which was derived from the Greek ainigma. The Greek root comes from the verb ainisthomai, which means "to speak in riddles" or "to allude to something obscurely."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms: Common synonyms in Spanish include misterio, which refers to something kept secret or unexplained; acertijo, usually referring to a literal riddle or puzzle; incógnita, often used to describe an unknown variable or factor; rompecabezas, meaning a head-breaker or a complex puzzle; and arcano, which refers to a deep or hidden secret.
Antonyms: Opposite terms include claridad, which implies transparency and ease of understanding; evidencia, referring to something that is obvious or certain; solución, which is the answer to a puzzle; and explicación, which is the act of making something clear.
Make “enigma” part of your vocabulary.
Build your Spanish vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
El enigma era difícil de resolver.noun
The enigma was difficult to solve.
Keep exploring Spanish
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad