Mystery synonym,synonyms of mystery
Enigma
- Similarity: Both "mystery" and "enigma" refer to something that is difficult to understand, explain or solve. They both imply the existence of something hidden, unknown or puzzling. For example, "The disappearance of the plane remains a mystery/enigma" shows that the situation is full of uncertainty and hard to figure out.
- Usage difference: "Enigma" often emphasizes the puzzling nature of a person, thing or situation that seems to have no clear explanation or solution. It is often used to describe something that is so mysterious that it seems almost impossible to understand. For example, "He is an enigma" implies that the person is very mysterious and hard to read. "Mystery" is more general and can refer to a wider range of situations that involve the unknown, such as a mystery novel which may have various unexplained events or secrets.
Riddle
- Similarity: "Riddle" and "mystery" both involve elements of puzzlement and the need for solving. A riddle is a type of question or statement that is deliberately worded in a confusing way to require creative thinking to solve, much like a mystery that needs to be unravelled. For instance, "The riddle/mystery of the ancient symbol has intrigued scholars for years" shows that both can present a challenge to understanding.
- Usage difference: "Riddle" is usually more specific and often takes the form of a question or a problem that is set out to be solved, often with a clever or tricky answer. It is often used in the context of games, puzzles or brain teasers. For example, "Can you solve this riddle?" On the other hand, "mystery" is more about a situation, event or phenomenon that is unexplained and may not have a clearly defined question or answer like a riddle does. A mystery might involve a series of events or circumstances that need to be investigated to understand.
Puzzle
- Similarity: "Puzzle" and "mystery" share the idea of something that is not easily understood and requires effort to figure out. When you have a puzzle, you need to put the pieces together to see the whole picture, just as you would need to gather clues and information to solve a mystery. For example, "The identity of the thief is a puzzle/mystery" indicates that it's not straightforward to find out who the thief is.
- Usage difference: "Puzzle" often implies a more tangible or mechanical problem that can be solved by fitting things together or using logical thinking. It can refer to a physical jigsaw puzzle or a mental puzzle like a math problem. "Mystery" is more abstract and can refer to things that are not as clearly defined or solvable by simple logic. A mystery might involve emotions, motives, or events that are not as straightforward as a puzzle. For example, "The mystery of his sudden disappearance" is more about the unexplained nature of the event rather than a specific problem to be solved like a puzzle.
Secret
- Similarity: Both "secret" and "mystery" involve elements of the unknown and something that is hidden. A secret is something that is kept hidden from others, and a mystery often has elements that are hidden or not yet revealed. For example, "She has a secret/mystery that she doesn't want to share" shows that there is something hidden.
- Usage difference: "Secret" usually implies that there is a specific piece of information or a fact that someone deliberately keeps hidden. It often involves the intention of someone to conceal something. For example, "He has a secret formula for the potion". "Mystery" is more about the overall situation or phenomenon that is unexplained and may not be the result of someone's intention to hide something. It could be something that is simply unknown due to lack of information or understanding. For example, "The mystery of the Bermuda Triangle" is not because someone is hiding the truth, but because there are many unexplained events.