Mystique
noun /mɪˈstiːk/ — A fascinating air of mystery or power
Definition
An aura of mystery, power, or glamour surrounding a particular person, thing, or occupation — the quality of seeming to contain more than is immediately visible.
Beyond the definition
The spell cast by incompleteness. What you cannot fully explain or access gains mystique — it remains interesting precisely because it remains partially hidden.
Origin & history
From French 'mystique' (mystic quality, mysticism) — from Latin 'mysticus' (secret, mysterious). The word came into English in the 20th century.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The film star cultivated her mystique by giving almost no interviews.
The mystique of certain professions disappears quickly upon working in them.
Mystique is the gap between what is known and what is suspected — and it thrives in that gap.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Mystique” when the meaning fits your context: An aura of mystery, power, or glamour surrounding a particular person, thing, or occupation — the quality of seeming to contain more than is immediately visible.
Synonyms
Antonyms
transparency, familiarity, openness
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Mystique" mean?
Mystique is noun meaning: A fascinating air of mystery or power. An aura of mystery, power, or glamour surrounding a particular person, thing, or occupation — the quality of seeming to contain more than is immediately visible.
Where does the word "Mystique" come from?
From French 'mystique' (mystic quality, mysticism) — from Latin 'mysticus' (secret, mysterious). The word came into English in the 20th century.