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enigmatic Definition

en·ig·matic (en′ig mat′ik; also ē′nig-)

adjective

of or like an enigma; perplexing; baffling
also enigmatical e′·nig·mat′i·cal

Etymology: Fr énigmatique < LL aenigmaticus

Related Forms:

enigmatic Synonyms

enigmatic

modif.

ambiguous, cryptic, baffling, mysterious; see obscure 1, secret 1. See syn. study at obscure.

enigmatic Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • somewhat: There is a somewhat enigmatic entry in the Parish Book.
  • equally: Equally enigmatic is the exact role of the command.
  • rather: Q: What's the story behind the rather enigmatic ending?
  • often: For the often enigmatic Rommedahl, it was another away day success story.
  • still: But tho the general import of their message is clear enough, the details of Bosch's pictorial language are still enigmatic.
  • very: Much of the imagery of this chapel will seem very enigmatic to most of you.

Modifies a noun

  • arcanum: Rosa Templum: The enigmatic arcanum of Rosslyn Chapel and the Bride of Christ.
  • smile: Her face was inches away, lips curving in an enigmatic smile.
  • stranger: An enigmatic stranger enters their lives who intends to turn their worlds upside down.
  • monument: Whittington Castle A complex survey and analysis of an enigmatic monument.
  • figure: Six enigmatic figures emerge from Leonardo's famous setting.

Used with adjective complement

  • remain: Yet despite the cult following he has acquired, Holland remains enigmatic.
  • seem: Much of the imagery of this chapel will seem very enigmatic to most of you.
  • appear: These features have often made the Japanese system appear enigmatic, creating a challenge for researchers.