Pronunciation: [ɛnˈɪɡmə] (IPA) 
The word "enigma" is a bit of a puzzle when it comes to spelling. The first syllable is pronounced like "ehn" which is spelled /ˈɛn/. The second syllable has a long "i" sound and is spelled with an "i" and a "g" /ˈɪɡ/. The last syllable is pronounced like "muh", but it's spelled with an "a" at the end to make "ma" /ˈɛnɪɡmə/. All together, the word is spelled with seven letters but has three syllables and several tricky vowel sounds.
Enigma, as a noun, refers to a perplexing, mysterious, or puzzling situation, event, or person that is difficult to understand or explain. The term is used to describe something that is characteristically baffling or obscure, often shrouded in secrets or hidden meaning. An enigma is a riddle, conundrum, or mystery that challenges the mind, provoking curiosity or fascination.
In literature or storytelling, an enigma may be represented by a complex plot development, a mysterious character, or a series of events that require careful interpretation and analysis to unravel. It signifies a problem or situation that demands a keen attention to detail, logical thinking, or intuition to comprehend fully.
The word "enigma" can also be used to describe an individual who is enigmatic, exhibiting traits of inscrutability, evasiveness, or ambiguity. Such a person may intentionally present themselves as an enigma, deliberately withholding information or being difficult to understand, adding to their air of mystique or allure.
Historically, the term "enigma" can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it initially referred to a type of riddle or puzzle, often posed as a form of intellectual pastime or entertainment. Over time, the meaning of the word has expanded to encompass broader concepts of intrigue, mystery, and complexity, becoming a versatile metaphor employed across various domains.
A riddle; a dark saying; anything obscure or ambiguous.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "enigma" is of Latin origin, derived from the Greek word "ainigma", which means "riddle" or "dark saying". It ultimately comes from the verb "ainissesthai", meaning "to speak obscurely" or "to hint". The Latin version of the word, "aenigma", referred specifically to a puzzle or mystery that required skill or cleverness to solve. Over time, the word evolved into its modern form, "enigma", with a broader meaning referring to any kind of puzzling or mysterious situation.
