enigma

noun eh-NEE-gmah Rare

Origin: From Greek ainigma, riddle.

Also means

mystery

Usage Note

Enigma ends in -ma but is masculine, following the pattern of Greek-origin words like il problema, il tema, il clima. Plural: gli enigmi. A learner might wrongly assume it is feminine based on the -a ending. It can refer to a formal riddle, a mysterious person, or an inexplicable situation.

Examples

"Il suo passato rimane un enigma per tutti."

Natural Translation

His past remains an enigma to everyone.

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