mystery

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Something secret or unexplainable

   Something secret or unexplainable; an unknown.

   • The truth behind the events remains a mystery.
   • The case was that of a murder. It had an element of mystery about it, however, which was puzzling the authorities. A turban and loincloth soaked in blood had been found; also a staff.
2. 2

   Someone or something with an obscure or puzzling nature.

   • That man is a mystery.
   • Then I had a good think on the subject of the hocussing of Cigarette, and I was reluctantly bound to admit that once again the man in the corner had found the only possible solution to the mystery.
3. 3

   An account, story, book, film, or play, often with the theme of crime or murder, with a…

   An account, story, book, film, or play, often with the theme of crime or murder, with a surprise ending that explains all the strange events that have occurred.

4. ›+ 7 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      A mystery play.

      • The Moralities displayed something more of art and invention than the Mysteries; in them virtues, vices and qualities were personified, and something like a plot was frequently to be discovered.
   2. 5

      A secret or mystical meaning.

      • […] and, not knowing the meaning or misterie of her pollicie, forgat no termes of reproche or rigorous rebuke against his chast doughter.
   3. 6

      A religious truth not understandable by the application of human reason alone (without…

      A religious truth not understandable by the application of human reason alone (without divine aid).

   4. 7

      A sacrament.

      • There are seven mysteries, or sacraments, in the Greek church, viz. baptism, the chrism (a rite peculiar to this church), the eucharist, confession, ordination, marriage, and the holy oil.
   5. 8

      A secret religious celebration, admission to which was usually through initiation.

      • the Eleusinian mysteries
      • the Mysteries of Mithras
      • There’s no initiation either into such mysteries.
   6. 9

      A particular event or series of events in the life of Christ.

      • The second decade of the Rosary concerns the Sorrowful mysteries, such as the crucifixion and the crowning with thorns.
   7. 10

      A craft, art or trade

      A craft, art or trade; specifically a guild of craftsmen.

      • The trades, the crafts, the mysteries, would all be losers.

The neighborhood

• synonymenigma
• synonymroun
• neighbormystic
• neighbormystical
• neighbormysticism
• neighbormystify
• neighbormystique