What is mystery? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of mystery

mysterynoun

/ˈmɪst(ə)ri/
Definition & pronunciation of mystery

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "mystery" in English. It's a tricky one for non-native speakers! Here's the breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈmɪst.ri/ (This is the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA - representation)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "mist": This part sounds like the word "mist" – a light fog. It's a short, quick syllable. The emphasis is on the first syllable.
  2. "ri": This is where it gets tricky. It doesn't rhyme with "right" or "ride." It's a very short "r" sound, almost like the "i" in "bit." It’s a very quick, subtle "r" sound – think of it more as a blend with the "ee" that follows.

Putting it together:

It flows as a single, relatively fast word.

Here are some ways to hear it:

  • Google it: Search for "how to pronounce mystery" on Google. You'll find audio examples instantly.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce mystery" on YouTube – many videos demonstrate the pronunciation clearly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1w4lCqY1RQ is a good example.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/mystery/ This website has pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.

Common Mispronunciations:

  • Rhyming with "right" or "ride": This is the most common mistake! Don't do it.
  • Overemphasizing the "r": The "r" sound is very subtle and blends into the next syllable.

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

  • Where are you from? (Pronunciation varies slightly by region)

Usage and examples with the word mystery in English

Let's break down how to use the word "mystery" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with several related meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (The most common use):

  • Definition: A situation, object, or event that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. Something puzzling.
  • Examples:
    • "The disappearance of the ship remains a complete mystery." (A puzzling event)
    • "She found a strange note hidden in the old book – a real mystery!" (A puzzling object)
    • "The detective was trying to solve the mystery of the missing jewels." (A puzzling crime)
    • "His sudden decision to quit his job was a complete mystery." (A puzzling event)

2. As a Verb (Less Common, but still valid):

  • Definition: To conceal or hide something secretly; to be beyond understanding or explanation.
  • Examples:
    • "The government mystified the public with its vague statements." (Concealed information)
    • "He mystified the audience with his incredible magic tricks." (Confused or baffled)
    • "The ancient symbols mystified historians for centuries." (Impossible to understand)

3. Related Words & Phrases Often Used with "Mystery":

  • Mystery novel / mystery story: A genre of fiction focused on solving a crime or puzzle.
  • Mystery person / suspect / clue: Elements within a mystery.
  • Solve a mystery: To figure out the answer to a puzzling situation.
  • Unravel a mystery: To gradually discover the solution to a complex puzzle.
  • A baffling mystery: Something very difficult to understand.
  • A perplexing mystery: Similar to baffling, suggesting confusion.
  • A profound mystery: A mystery that is deeply significant or raises important questions.

4. Figurative Uses of "Mystery":

  • To describe a person’s motives: "His true intentions were a complete mystery." (He’s difficult to understand.)
  • To describe something unusual or unexpected: "The sudden rainstorm was a mystery." (Something strange or inexplicable)

Tips for Using "Mystery" Effectively:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "mystery" will be clear from the context of the sentence.
  • Show, Don’t Just Tell: Instead of simply saying “it was a mystery,” try to describe why it’s a mystery. What makes it puzzling? What clues are there?
  • Use Strong Verbs: Words like "investigate," "uncover," "decipher," "determine" can paint a more vivid picture of the process of trying to solve a mystery.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me tailor my response even more, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "mystery"? (e.g., write a story, explain a concept, have me correct a sentence?)

Synonyms for the word mystery

Practice with vocabulary mystery

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The ancient inscription's meaning remained a complete __________ for centuries until a new linguistic breakthrough.
  2. Despite extensive investigation, the exact cause of the system malfunction is still a __________ to the engineering team.
  3. The detective followed every __________ left at the crime scene, hoping to identify the culprit.
  4. She kept her travel plans a strict __________ from her colleagues until the last possible moment.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following best describes an unsolved criminal case with unknown motives and perpetrators? (A) fact (B) evidence (C) mystery (D) certainty

  2. Select the words that could describe something that is baffling, hard to understand, and holds a sense of the unknown. (A) enigma (B) clarity (C) mystery (D) solution

  3. The recent market fluctuation presents a significant __________ to economists, as traditional models fail to explain its behavior. (A) transparency (B) explanation (C) mystery (D) comprehension

  4. After weeks of experimentation, the scientists finally found a __________ to the complex problem. (A) hypothesis (B) solution (C) dilemma (D) theory

  5. Which words could describe a difficult question or a piece of confidential information that is kept secret? (A) secret (B) riddle (C) answer (D) truth

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The reason behind the company's sudden success in a failing market has never been fully explained. (Rewrite using "mystery")
  2. It is very difficult to understand how such a simple device can perform such complex calculations. (Rewrite using a form of "mystery")
  3. The unexpected decision by the board of directors created a very difficult problem for the CEO to address. (Rewrite without using "mystery" or related forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. mystery
  2. mystery
  3. clue
  4. secret

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. (C) mystery
  2. (A) enigma, (C) mystery
  3. (C) mystery
  4. (B) solution
  5. (A) secret, (B) riddle

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The reason behind the company's sudden success in a failing market remains a complete mystery.
  2. How such a simple device can perform such complex calculations is truly mysterious. (Alternatively: The way such a simple device can perform such complex calculations is quite a mystery.)
  3. The unexpected decision by the board of directors created a significant conundrum for the CEO to address. (Alternatively: The unexpected decision by the board of directors presented a major dilemma for the CEO to address.)

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