Gloss · Words · Enigma vs conundrum
Enigma vs conundrum
An enigma is a mystery. A conundrum is a problem, usually a hard choice.
The difference
An enigma is something you cannot explain: a person nobody can read, a message in a code nobody has cracked. The word is about the not-understanding, and it can be admiring. A conundrum is something you have to solve or decide, and every option costs you something. It started as a riddle; now it is the word for the meeting that ends without an answer.
Enigma
A person or thing that is hard to understand or explain.
Even to his friends he remained an enigma.
Conundrum
A confusing problem with no easy answer.
Fixing the roof or the car was a real conundrum.
Which one to use
If you cannot figure it out, enigma. If you cannot decide, conundrum.
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