mysterious Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite of an obscure nature
    cryptical; cryptic; deep; mystifying; inscrutable.
    • the new insurance policy is written without cryptic or mysterious terms
    • a deep dark secret
    • the inscrutable workings of Providence
    • in its mysterious past it encompasses all the dim origins of life"- Rachel Carson
    • rituals totally mystifying to visitors from other lands
  2. adjective satellite having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding
    mystical; occult; mystic; secret; orphic.
    • mysterious symbols
    • the mystical style of Blake
    • occult lore
    • the secret learning of the ancients

WordNet


Mys*te"ri*ous adjective
Etymology
F. mystèrieux. See 1st Mystery.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to mystery; containing a mystery; difficult or impossible to understand; obscure not revealed or explained; enigmatical; incomprehensible.
    God at last To Satan, first in sin, his doom applied, Thought in mysterious terms. Milton.
    Syn. -- Obscure; secret; occult; dark; mystic; cabalistic; enigmatical; unintelligible; incomprehensible.

Webster 1913