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enigma

enigma

noun eh-NEEG-mah Rare
Mind & Emotions

Origin: Greek ainigma (riddle), from ainissesthai (to speak obscurely)

Also means

mystery

Usage Note

Enigma ends in -ma but is masculine, following the pattern of Greek-origin -ma nouns in Spanish (el problema, el tema, el sistema). This is a common gender trap for English speakers who might assume a word ending in -a is feminine. It can refer to a person, situation, or object that is impossible to understand or explain.

Examples

"Su origen sigue siendo un enigma."

Natural Translation

His origin remains an enigma.

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