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A Word A Day — enigmatic

Dave Laird

Good morning, Netizens…

October 25, 2012

Word of the Day


  • enigmatic

  • audio pronunciation

  • \en-ig-MAT-ik\

  • DEFINITION

adjective

: of, relating to, or resembling an enigma : mysterious

  • EXAMPLES

When Rolf asked her where she had been, Tianna just gave him an enigmatic smile and answered, “Oh, here and there.”

“Chris Marker, who died earlier this year at 91, was an enigmatic figure, reluctant to be photographed and prone to biographical embellishment.” — From an article by A.O. Scott in the New York Times , September 26, 2012

  • DID YOU KNOW?

When it comes to things that aren’t clearly understandable, you have a wide range of word choices, including “dark,” “enigmatic,” “cryptic,” and “equivocal.” Of these, “dark” is the most sinister, implying an imperfect or clouded revelation, often with ominous overtones. “Enigmatic” emphasizes a puzzling, mystifying quality, whereas “cryptic” implies a purposely concealed meaning. “Equivocal” is the best choice for language that is left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

From Merriam-Webster Online at www.Merriam-Webster.com .

Dave

* This story was originally published as a post from the blog "Community Comment." Read all stories from this blog