The word enigmatic describes something that is mysterious or perplexing. It can also mean confusing or unfathomable and is often used as a substitute for additional synonyms of these other words. Enigmatic can be used as an adjective, but it is also often used in its adverb for enigmatically.
Closely aligned is the word enigma, a noun meaning something or someone that is difficult to comprehend or understand. During World War II, the British made history by breaking Germany’s secret codes with their “Enigma Machine.” This Machine, a marvel of its time, could unravel the mystery of the German ciphers, a feat that was both fascinating and crucial in the war effort.
“The young girl appeared enigmatic as she walked through the rain in her red raincoat holding her white umbrella.”
“The old lady had an enigmatic smile hidden under her red hat and black veil.”
“Edgar Allen Poe produced prose and poetry that were often macabre and enigmatic.”
“The enigmatic bone was kept in storage until DNA technology enabled analysis by researchers.”
If you look up the word hiraeth [pronounced he-rith] in Webster’s Dictionary, you may or may not find a definition or connection. Hiraeth is a Welsh word that has no direct English translation but can be used and understood in an English sentence.
In Welsh, the word hiraeth means homesickness for something from the past. We use the word nostalgia or longing to describe the same feelings.
“It would be difficult to describe the hiraeth the North Georgians feel for their mountains and historical customs.”
“After a house fire, many of us have this hiraeth to return to the past.”
“Because she was obsessed with history and the sea, Sally’s hiraeth for massive sailing ships occupied much of her time.”
Of course, these two words can be combined into a single sentence.
“The faded and enigmatic photograph of her childhood home filled her heart with hiraeth.”
“The enigmatic rhythm of the old song elicited a wave of hiraeth, transporting him back to youthful summers he spent in the Carolina mountains.”
