enigmatic
puzzling, mysterious, or hard to interpret
Root
- enigm / enigma: riddle, puzzle, or hidden meaning
Other words with the enigm / enigma root
- enigma: a riddle, mystery, or puzzling thing
An enigma is a riddle. Enigmatic things feel like riddles with meaning nearby but the key missing.
The professor’s enigmatic comment stayed in her head because it sounded important but refused to explain itself.
Enigmatic does not just mean hidden. A sealed box is hidden; an enigmatic remark invites interpretation.
That is the feel: there may be meaning inside, but the answer is not handed to you. Enigma gives the riddle; enigmatic gives the riddle-like quality.