A Closer Look: Definition of Enigma

YourDictionary.com defines the word ‘enigma’ as something that is puzzling, mysterious, or hidden. Enigma may also be used as an adjective by adding a suffix to the end, making the adjective form ‘enigmatic’. If using the article ‘a’ before either the noun or adjective form, be sure to use the article ‘an’, since any word in the English language beginning with a vowel and preceded by the article ‘a’ must use the form ‘an’.

The word ‘enigma’ first appeared in print in 1449. Its origins remain as mysterious as the word itself. It is likely to derive from the Latin ænigma, meaning a riddle, or the Greek, ainigma, which derives from the word ainissesthai, “to speak obscurely, speak in riddles.”

Usage Examples

The word enigma can be used in a vareity of ways. For example:

• Her reasons for leaving him are an enigma to me.
• The Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile has fascinated art lovers for centuries.

Winston Churchill, the famous British statesman, used the word enigma when talking about Russia in the following statement:

“I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interest.”

Enigma Past & Present

• The Enigma Machine: Harkening back to the times of spies and world wars, the Enigma series of machines were the epitome of cryptography in the early 20th century. Developed by the Germans in the 1920s, the Enigma series of cryptography or message coding machines used a sophisticated series of mechanical and electrical components to encode messages. Secret messages could then be passed along written in code, so that enemy nations would be unable to read them.
• Enigma Puzzle: Enigma is also the name of a popular puzzle game for young and old alike. Inspired by Atari’s Oxyd and Amiga’s Rock and Roll game, the object of the game is to uncover identically paired Oyxd stones. The game is free to download and play. It is available for Mac and PC.
• Enigma Web Browser: The Enigma Web browser promises speedier web surfing, fewer crashes and lockups than competing browsers. A free copy may be downloaded from Sutton Designs.
• Enigma Music: In classical music, the British composer Sir Edward Elgar composed a piece entitled the Enigma Variations. The actual title is Variations on an Original Theme for Orchestra, Op. 36 but the nickname “Enigma” Variations stuck to the work. While most listeners are more familiar with Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March as the music played while students process in cap and gown during the graduation ceremony, among Elgar’s works the Enigma Variations are considered one of his finest and best known pieces. These 14 variations on an original theme are among the most popular classical music pieces today.