mystery

/'mistəri/

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Word: Mystery

Part of Speech: Noun

Basic Definition: A mystery is something that is difficult to understand or explain. It often refers to a story or situation involving a crime, especially a murder, where the details are unclear or hidden.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "mystery" when talking about stories or situations that involve unknown elements or puzzles to solve.
• You can also use it to describe things in life that are hard to comprehend.

Examples:

1. In a sentence: "The detective novel was a thrilling mystery that kept me guessing until the end."
2. In everyday conversation: "The sudden disappearance of the famous painting remains a mystery to this day."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature, "mystery" can refer to a genre that includes detective stories or thrillers where the plot revolves around solving a crime.
• "Mystery" can also describe any situation or phenomenon that is unexplained, such as natural wonders or personal feelings.

Word Variants:

• Mysterious (adjective): Something that is difficult to understand or explain. Example: "The mysterious stranger at the party seemed to know everyone."
• Mysteriously (adverb): In a way that is difficult to explain. Example: "She mysteriously vanished without a trace."

Different Meanings:

1. General use: A situation or event that is puzzling or difficult to understand. Example: "The mystery of why the lights went out remains unsolved."
2. In literature: Refers specifically to a genre focused on solving crimes or uncovering secrets.

Synonyms:

• Enigma
• Puzzle
• Riddle
• Secret
• Conundrum

Idioms:

• "It's a mystery to me": This phrase is used when someone does not understand something at all. Example: "How he managed to finish that project so quickly is a mystery to me."
• "Wrapped in mystery": This means that something is surrounded by uncertainty or unknown factors. Example: "The ancient ruins are wrapped in mystery, making them a popular tourist attraction."

Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific phrasal verbs that directly relate to "mystery," you might encounter phrases like: - "Solve the mystery": To find the answer or explanation for something puzzling. Example: "The team worked together to solve the mystery of the missing cat."

Summary:

A "mystery" can be a story involving crime or something puzzling in life.

Academic

Noun

1. a story about a crime (usually murder) presented as a novel or play or movie
2. something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
   • how it got out is a mystery
   • it remains one of nature's secrets

Synonyms

• mystery story
• whodunit
• enigma
• secret
• closed book