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View synonyms for

mystery

1

[ mis-tuh-ree, -tree ]

noun

plural mysteries.
  1. anything that is kept secret or remains unexplained or unknown:

    the mysteries of nature.

  2. any affair, thing, or person that presents features or qualities so obscure as to arouse curiosity or speculation:

    The masked guest is an absolute mystery to everyone.

  3. a novel, short story, play, or film whose plot involves a crime or other event that remains puzzlingly unsettled until the very end:

    a mystery by Agatha Christie.

  4. obscure, puzzling, or mysterious quality or character:

    the mystery of Mona Lisa's smile.

    Synonyms: , , , , , , , ,

  5. any truth that is unknowable except by divine revelation.
  6. (in the Christian religion)
    1. a sacramental rite.
  7. an incident or scene in connection with the life of Christ, regarded as of special significance:

    the mysteries of the Passion.

  8. any of the 15 events in the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary meditated upon during the recitation of the rosary.
  9. mysteries,
    1. ancient religions that admitted candidates by secret rites and rituals the meaning of which was known only to initiated worshipers.
    2. any rites or secrets known only to those initiated:

      the mysteries of Freemasonry.

    3. (in the Christian religion) the Eucharistic elements.


mystery

2

[ mis-tuh-ree ]

noun

Archaic.
plural mysteries.
  1. a craft or trade.
  2. a guild, as of merchants.

mystery

1

/ ˈɪəɪ; -trɪ /

noun

  1. an unexplained or inexplicable event, phenomenon, etc
  2. a person or thing that arouses curiosity or suspense because of an unknown, obscure, or enigmatic quality
  3. the state or quality of being obscure, inexplicable, or enigmatic
  4. a story, film, etc, which arouses suspense and curiosity because of facts concealed
  5. Christianity any truth that is divinely revealed but otherwise unknowable
  6. Christianity a sacramental rite, such as the Eucharist, or ( when plural ) the consecrated elements of the Eucharist
  7. often plural any of various rites of certain ancient Mediterranean religions
  8. short for mystery play
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

mystery

2

/ ˈɪəɪ /

noun

  1. a trade, occupation, or craft
  2. a guild of craftsmen
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of mystery1

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English misteri(e), from Latin ŧܳ “a secret,” (plural) ŧ “secret rites,” from Greek ḗrDz, equivalent to ý(ŧ) “an initiate (into the Eleusinian mysteries)” + -ŧDz noun suffix; mystic )

Origin of mystery2

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English misteri(e) “ministry, office; handicraft, art; guild” from Old French mistere and Medieval Latin misterium, variant of Latin ministerium ministry, confused with ŧܳ mystery 1( def )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of mystery1

C14: via Latin from Greek ܲŧDz secret rites. See mystic

Origin of mystery2

C14: from Medieval Latin ŧܳ, from Latin ministerium occupation, from minister official
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But Ms Giuffre's death adds another layer to the mystery of what must have inadvertently become one of the most widely viewed photos in royal history.

From

It was the start of a mystery that remains unsolved - the little girl's true identity is still not fully known.

From

But now James was battling a recurrence of cancer, his legs wrapped in mystery wounds that took too long to diagnose.

From

Brethren, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

From

The chainsaw attack on trees in downtown Los Angeles came with multiple mysteries.

From

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