What is mysterious? Pronunciation and usage in English

mysterious means . Learn how to pronounce and use mysterious through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of mysterious

mysteriousadjective

/mɪˈstɪərɪəs/
Definition & pronunciation of mysterious

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "mysterious" in English. It’s a bit of a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is broken down into three syllables:

  • My - (like the name "My")
  • ster - (rhymes with "sister")
  • i - ous - (the "i" sound is short, like in "it")

2. Phonetic Breakdown (approximate):

Here's a phonetic transcription that's pretty close:

  • ˈmɪstər-i-əs

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈmɪstər: The "m" is pronounced as usual. "Mist" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, like in "bit".
  • -i: A short "i" sound, as in "it".
  • -ous: This is the tricky part. It’s pronounced like "us" (as in "use"). Notice the stress is on the first syllable.

3. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("my"). You want to make that syllable slightly louder and longer than the other two.
  • "ster" sound: Make sure the "ster" sounds like "sister," not "star."
  • "ious" sound: This is the most common stumbling block. Say "us" as in "use".

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it spoken! Here are some resources:

To summarize, it sounds roughly like: "MYST-er-i-us"

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Break it down even further?

Usage and examples with the word mysterious in English

Let's break down how to use the word "mysterious" effectively in English. It's a wonderfully evocative word!

1. Core Meaning:

"Mysterious" means perplexing, puzzling, or difficult to understand. It describes something that seems strange, secretive, or hidden, often in a way that creates a sense of wonder or intrigue.

2. How to Use It – Examples & Contexts:

  • Describing People:

    • "He had a mysterious smile that made you wonder what he was thinking." (Suggests a hidden intention or secret)
    • "The detective was drawn to her mysterious personality." (Implies she's enigmatic and hard to read)

  • Describing Places:

    • "The old mansion stood on a hilltop, a mysterious silhouette against the stormy sky." (Creates a sense of foreboding and the unknown)
    • "The caves were filled with mysterious symbols and ancient artifacts." (Hints at a lost civilization or unknown history)

  • Describing Events/Situations:

    • "There’s a mysterious disappearance linked to the case." (Something unexplained and puzzling)
    • "The origins of the artifact remain mysterious." (We don’t know where it came from)
    • "The fog rolled in, creating a mysterious and eerie atmosphere." (Evokes a sense of unease and secrecy)

  • Describing Objects:

    • "The antique box contained a mysterious letter written in code." (Suggests a secret message or hidden knowledge)
    • "Wrapped in dark cloth, the object felt mysterious and unsettling." (Intriguing due to its obscured nature)

3. Figurative Usage:

"Mysterious" can also be used more figuratively to describe abstract ideas or feelings:

  • "Her motives were entirely mysterious." (She's acting in a way that seems inexplicable)
  • "There's a mysterious quality to her music that I can't quite put my finger on." (Suggests an intangible quality)

4. Adjectives Modifying "Mysterious":

You can strengthen the word by adding adjectives that describe the type of mystery:

  • Deeply mysterious: (Suggests a profound and difficult mystery)
  • Intriguingly mysterious: (Highlights the captivating quality of the mystery)
  • Unaccountably mysterious: (Suggests the mystery cannot be explained)
  • Secretly mysterious: (Implies the mystery is deliberately hidden)

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Enigmatic
  • Puzzling
  • Perplexing
  • Secret
  • Obscure
  • Cryptic
  • Unexplained

6. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them:

  • Overuse: "Mysterious" is a good word, but don’t use it constantly. If something is truly mysterious, it should feel naturally mysterious.
  • Using it too casually: It’s best reserved for things that genuinely evoke a sense of wonder, confusion, or the unknown.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a story, a description, an essay?)
  • What is the "mysterious" thing you're referring to? (A place, a person, an event, an idea?)

Synonyms for the word mysterious

Practice with vocabulary mysterious

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The ancient artifact, found deep within the undisturbed tomb, had a truly ______ aura, defying all known historical records.
  2. Despite extensive research, the exact origins of the universe remain a ______ topic for scientists worldwide.
  3. The instructions for assembling the new equipment were so ______ that no one on the team could figure out how to begin.
  4. The consultant insisted that all project documents containing financial projections be kept strictly ______ until the board meeting.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The sudden disappearance of the valuable research data from the secure server was considered highly ______. a) obvious b) clear c) mysterious d) inexplicable

  2. Her calm demeanor and reserved responses made her a rather ______ figure among the otherwise outspoken team members. a) transparent b) enigmatic c) mysterious d) forthright

  3. Archeologists continue to be baffled by the ______ symbols carved into the cave walls, which bear no resemblance to any known ancient script. a) well-documented b) perplexing c) mysterious d) understandable

  4. The agency conducted a ______ operation to rescue the hostages, ensuring no public disclosure until its successful completion. a) transparent b) covert c) overt d) disclosed

  5. Due to the ______ wording in the contract, both parties disagreed on the specific responsibilities regarding maintenance. a) clear b) vague c) precise d) definite

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The reason behind the lights observed in the night sky last week is still unknown to experts. (Use "mysterious")
  2. Nobody could understand the old professor's true intentions for donating his entire estate to a seemingly random charity. (Use "mysterious" or related word forms)
  3. The document, which described the company's new strategy, was so poorly written that it was open to many interpretations. (Do NOT use "mysterious")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. mysterious
  2. mysterious
  3. unclear
  4. confidential

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) mysterious, d) inexplicable
  2. b) enigmatic, c) mysterious
  3. b) perplexing, c) mysterious
  4. b) covert
  5. b) vague

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The lights observed in the night sky last week have a mysterious reason that experts have yet to identify. (or: The reason behind the lights observed in the night sky last week remains mysterious to experts.)
  2. The old professor's true intentions for donating his entire estate to a seemingly random charity remained a mystery to everyone.
  3. The document, which described the company's new strategy, was so ambiguously written that it was open to many interpretations.

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