mys·te·ri·ous
(mĭ-stîŕē-əs)
[French mystérieux, from mystère, secret, from Latin mystērium; see mystery1.]
adjective
- Of, relating to, or being a mystery: mysterious and infinite truths.
- Simultaneously arousing wonder and inquisitiveness, and eluding explanation or comprehension: a mysterious visitor; mysterious conduct.
derivatives
- mys·téri·ous·ly
- adverb
- mys·téri·ous·ness
- noun
synonyms:
mysterious, esoteric, arcane, occult, inscrutable These adjectives mean beyond human power to explain or understand. Something mysterious arouses wonder and inquisitiveness: “The sea lies all about us…. In its mysterious past it encompasses all the dim origins of life” (Rachel Carson) What is esoteric is mysterious because only a select group knows and understands it: a compilation of esoteric philosophical essays. Arcane applies to what is hidden from general knowledge: arcane economic theories. Occult suggests knowledge reputedly gained only by secret, magical, or supernatural means: an occult rite. Something that is inscrutable cannot be fathomed by means of investigation or scrutiny: “It is not for me to attempt to fathom the inscrutable workings of Providence” (Earl of Birkenhead)
