Mysterious: meaning, definitions and examples

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mysterious

[mɪˈstɪəriəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

of something hidden or difficult to understand

Something that is mysterious is difficult to understand or explain because it is strange or has not been explained.

Synonyms

ambiguous, cryptic, enigmatic, puzzling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mysterious	Used when something or someone is not easily explained or understood, often invoking a sense of curiosity or fascination. The old house had a mysterious aura, as if it held countless secrets He gave her a mysterious smile that she couldn't quite interpret
enigmatic	Used to describe something or someone that is mysterious and difficult to understand, often with a sense of intrigue. The artist was known for his enigmatic personality and reclusive lifestyle Her enigmatic expression made it hard to tell what she was really thinking
puzzling	Used for situations or problems that are confusing and difficult to understand or solve. The math problem was puzzling and took hours to solve Her sudden disappearance was puzzling to her friends and family
cryptic	Used to describe something that is intentionally obscure or difficult to understand, often in a coded or hidden way. She left a cryptic note on the table that nobody could decipher The professor's explanation of the theory was so cryptic that few students could follow it
ambiguous	Typically used for situations or statements that can be understood in more than one way and lack clear meaning. His answers in the interview were ambiguous, leaving everyone confused about his stance The ending of the movie was ambiguous, sparking debates among the viewers

Examples of usage

The disappearance of the ship remains a mysterious event.
She always wore a mysterious smile that no one could decipher.
The old house had a mysterious aura about it.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

causing curiosity or wonder

Something that is mysterious arouses curiosity or wonder.

Synonyms

bewitching, captivating, fascinating, intriguing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mysterious	Used when something is difficult to understand, is secretive, or has an element of the unknown. The forest at night has a mysterious aura. He had a mysterious past that no one knew about.
intriguing	Used when something catches your interest in an unusual or surprising way, making you curious. Often implies a sense of complexity or unexpectedness. The plot of the novel was very intriguing. There's something intriguing about the way she thinks.
fascinating	Used when something is extremely interesting and holds your attention. The documentary on space exploration was fascinating. She had a fascinating collection of rare books.
captivating	Used when something or someone holds your attention completely because it is so interesting or beautiful. The movie was so captivating that no one left their seat. He found her story absolutely captivating.
bewitching	Used to describe something that is so attractive or interesting that it seems to have a magical effect on people. Often used to describe beauty. She had a bewitching smile that no one could resist. The bewitching melody captivated the entire audience.

Examples of usage

The magician performed a mysterious trick that left the audience in awe.
The mysterious box contained a surprise gift.
The mysterious stranger left a note on her doorstep.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek word 'mystērios', which means 'secret' or 'hidden'.
It was first used in English in the late 14th century to describe things that are baffling or hard to explain.

Pop Culture

Mysterious characters are common in books and movies, often as detectives or secret agents trying to uncover hidden truths.
Popular films like 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Inception' are known for their mysterious plots that keep viewers guessing.

Psychology

Humans are naturally drawn to mystery; it can evoke curiosity and thrill, leading to increased engagement and excitement.
Cognitive psychologists suggest that unresolved mysteries can create a sense of discomfort, prompting a desire for answers.

Literature

Classic literature often features mysterious themes, such as in 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' by Charles Dickens, which remains unresolved.
Mysterious settings, like in gothic novels, create a haunting atmosphere that captivates readers’ imagination.

Science

Many scientific phenomena remain mysterious, such as dark matter in the universe, which we cannot directly observe.
The concept of 'mystery' in science encourages exploration and experimentation, leading to groundbreaking discoveries.

Translations

Translations of the word "mysterious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 misterioso

🇮🇳 रहस्यमय

🇩🇪 mysteriös

🇮🇩 misterius

🇺🇦 загадковий

🇵🇱 tajemniczy

🇯🇵 神秘的 (しんぴてき)

🇫🇷 mystérieux

🇪🇸 misterioso

🇹🇷 gizemli

🇰🇷 신비로운 (sinbiro-un)

🇸🇦 غامض (ghamid)

🇨🇿 tajemný

🇸🇰 tajomný

🇨🇳 神秘的 (shénmì de)

🇸🇮 skrivnosten

🇮🇸 dularfullur

🇰🇿 құпиялы

🇬🇪 საიდუმლო (saidumlo)

🇦🇿 sirli

🇲🇽 misterioso

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,446 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5443 broadly
5444 disclosed
5445 autonomy
5446 mysterious
5447 enabling
5448 associates
5449 advocate
...