— mysteriously , adv. — mysteriousness , n.
/mi stear"ee euhs/ , adj.
1. full of, characterized by, or involving mystery: a mysterious occurrence.
2. implying or suggesting a mystery: a mysterious smile.
3. of obscure nature, meaning, origin, etc.; puzzling; inexplicable: a mysterious inscription on the ancient tomb.
[ 1610-20; MYSTERY 1 + -OUS ]
Syn. 1. secret, esoteric, occult, cryptic. MYSTERIOUS, INSCRUTABLE, MYSTICAL, OBSCURE refer to that which is not easily comprehended or explained. That which is MYSTERIOUS, by being unknown or puzzling, excites curiosity, amazement, or awe: a mysterious disease. INSCRUTABLE applies to that which is impenetrable, so enigmatic that one cannot interpret its significance: an inscrutable smile. That which is MYSTICAL has a secret significance, such as that attaching to certain rites or signs: mystical symbols. That which is OBSCURE is discovered or comprehended dimly or with difficulty: obscure motives. 3. unfathomable, unintelligible, incomprehensible, enigmatic, impenetrable.