What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
secrets
Example
She whispered her secret to her best friend. [secret: noun]
Example
He kept the secret to himself for years. [secret: adjective]
enigma
Example
The disappearance of the plane remains an enigma. [enigma: noun]
Example
She was an enigmatic figure, and no one knew much about her past. [enigmatic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Secrets is a more common word than enigma in everyday language. Secrets can be used in personal and professional contexts, while enigma is more likely to be used in literary or artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between secrets and enigma?
Enigma is generally considered more formal than secrets. Enigma is often used in literary or artistic contexts, while secrets can be used in both formal and informal contexts.