Basic Details
Word: Enigma
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Something that is mysterious or difficult to understand.
Synonyms: Mystery, puzzle, riddle
Antonyms: Clarity, understanding, solution
Idioms and Phrases
- Open an enigma: To begin to understand a complex or mysterious situation. Example: "After researching for hours, she finally managed to open the enigma of the ancient symbols."
- A living enigma: Someone who is very mysterious and hard to figure out. Example: "His quiet nature made him a living enigma to all his classmates."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The strange disappearance of the ancient artefact remains an enigma to historians.
Example 2: Her sudden change in behaviour was an enigma that puzzled her friends.
Example 3: The formula behind the magic trick was an enigma that the audience could not solve.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "enigma" comes from the Greek word "ainigma," which means "riddle"? It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe mysterious or puzzling things.
Famous Quote
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science." Albert Einstein
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "enigma" mean?
a) A clear answer
b) A mysterious situation
c) A beautiful painting
d) A simple task
Answer: b) A mysterious situation
2. Which of these is a synonym of "enigma"?
a) Mystery
b) Answer
c) Solution
d) Reality
Answer: a) Mystery
3. Which word is an antonym of "enigma"?
a) Riddle
b) Mystery
c) Clarity
d) Puzzle
Answer: c) Clarity
4. Which sentence uses "enigma" correctly?
a) The enigma of the song was easy to understand.
b) The enigma on the test helped me improve my grades.
c) The stolen painting remains an enigma to the police.
d) She solved the enigma quickly and moved on.
Answer: c) The stolen painting remains an enigma to the police.
5. Which idiom is closely related to "enigma"?
a) Open an enigma
b) Break the ice
c) Make a mountain out of a molehill
d) Killing two birds with one stone
Answer: a) Open an enigma
