mystery
Meanings
noun
- Something secret or unexplainable; an unknown.
- Someone or something with an obscure or puzzling nature.
- 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.
- A mystery play.
- A secret or mystical meaning.
- A religious truth not understandable by the application of human reason alone (without divine aid).
- A sacrament.
- A secret religious celebration, admission to which was usually through initiation.
- A particular event or series of events in the life of Christ.
- A craft, art or trade; specifically a guild of craftsmen.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
From Middle English mysterie, from Anglo-Norman misterie (Old French mistere), from Latin mysterium, from Ancient Greek μυστήριον (mustḗrion, “a mystery, a secret, a secret rite”), from μύστης (mústēs, “initiated one”), from μυέω (muéō, “to initiate”), from μύω (múō, “to shut”). Displaced native Old English ġerȳne.
Synonyms
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Derived words
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