1. Something unknown or unexplained: This is the most common definition. A mystery is something that is puzzling or baffling, where the truth is hidden or unclear.
Examples:
* "The disappearance of the missing hiker is a mystery."
* "The ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs were a mystery for centuries."
* "The scientist was determined to solve the mystery of the universe."
2. A genre of fiction: This refers to stories that involve a crime, puzzle, or secret that needs to be solved. The focus is on suspense, intrigue, and the pursuit of truth.
Examples:
* Detective novels
* Thriller movies
* Mystery podcasts
3. A religious or philosophical concept: In this sense, a mystery refers to something that is inherently unknowable or beyond human comprehension. It can be related to the divine, the nature of reality, or the existence of the soul.
Examples:
* The mystery of faith
* The mystery of life and death
* The mystery of the universe
4. A hidden or secret thing: This meaning is similar to the first definition, but it often implies something that is deliberately concealed or hidden.
Examples:
* "The old house held many mysteries."
* "She kept her secret diary hidden in a box, full of mysteries."
To understand the precise meaning of "mysteries," consider the context in which it is used.