mystery

[ˈmɪstəri]

mystery Definition

• 1. something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain
• 2. a novel, play, or movie dealing with a puzzling crime, especially a murder

Using mystery: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mystery" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The mystery of the Bermuda Triangle has never been solved.

• Example

  The detective was determined to solve the mystery of the missing jewels.

• Example

  The book is a mystery novel set in Victorian England.

• Example

  The disappearance of the hiker remains a mystery.

mystery Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for mystery

• enigma
• puzzle
• conundrum
• problem
• riddle

Antonyms for mystery

• solution
• explanation
• clarity

Idioms Using mystery

• a mystery wrapped in an enigma

  something that is very difficult to understand or explain

  Example

  Her behavior is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. I can never predict what she'll do next.

• solve the mystery

  to find the explanation for something that is difficult to understand or explain

  Example

  The detective was finally able to solve the mystery of the missing painting.

• deepen the mystery

  to make something even more difficult to understand or explain

  Example

  The discovery of a new clue only deepened the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the hiker.

Phrases with mystery

• mystery shopper

  a person who is paid to visit shops or restaurants anonymously and report on the quality of service they receive

  Example

  The company hired a mystery shopper to evaluate their customer service.

• mystery meat

  meat of unknown origin or type, often used humorously or disparagingly

  Example

  I don't want to eat that mystery meat. It could be anything!

• mystery tour

  a trip or excursion whose destination is kept secret until the last minute

  Example

  We signed up for a mystery tour and ended up spending the weekend in a charming little town.

Origins of mystery

from Latin 'mysterium', meaning 'secret rite or ceremony'

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Summary: mystery in Brief

The term 'mystery' [ˈmɪstəri] refers to something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. It can also refer to a genre of literature or film that deals with puzzling crimes, such as 'The detective was determined to solve the mystery of the missing jewels.' The phrase 'a mystery wrapped in an enigma' denotes something that is very difficult to understand, while 'solve the mystery' means to find the explanation for something that is difficult to understand.