mysterious

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“
Ability to know this model and rule constitutes what we call the mysterious excellence (of a governor).

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Definitions (8)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (3)

  1. adjective Of, relating to, or being a mystery: mysterious and infinite truths.
  2. adjective Simultaneously arousing wonder and inquisitiveness, and eluding explanation or comprehension: a mysterious visitor; mysterious conduct.
  3. Syntax Note
    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).

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Toggle GNU Webster definitions GNU Webster's 1913 (1)

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Examples (50)

  • It has to simultaneously be mysterious, a little bit distant. —  Virginia Postrel on glamour
  • MEXICO CITY -- Mexico vowed to keep looking for a mysterious island that could extend its offshore oil claims after university researchers said they couldn't find it. —  Kentucky.com: Homepage
  • Mexico vowed to keep looking for a mysterious island that could extend its offshore oil claims after university researchers said they couldn't find it. —  Statesman - AP Sports
  • The basic concept behind See the Future involves players lifting a curse on three items obtained by Murgo the Trader, better known as the mysterious vendor introduced during the opening childhood sequence in Fable II. —  GameSpot's News, Screenshots, Movies, Reviews, Previews, Downloads, and Features
  • The vast majority of people think of dreams as something mysterious which is not within our power to control. —  Article Source
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Roget's II Roget's II: The New Thesaurus

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new ·  terrible ·  wonderful ·  magical
Roget's II: The New Thesaurus, Third Edition by the Editors of the American Heritage® Dictionary. Copyright © 2003, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. French mystérieux, from mystère, secret, from Latin mystērium; see mystery1.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. Formerly also misterious; = French mystérieux = Spanish misterioso = Portuguese mysterioso = Italian misterioso, full of mystery, from Latin mysterium, mystery: see mystery.
 

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/mɪsˈtirɪəs/
by American Heritage

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