Question

Enigmatic means: A. mystifying B. hard to interpret C. difficult D. confusing E. mysterious

Short answer

E. mysterious

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the word

Analyze the word 'enigmatic,' which is used to describe something that is mysterious or difficult to understand.

- Examine the options

Look at each of the choices provided to find the best match:A. mystifyingB. hard to interpretC. difficultD. confusingE. mysterious

- Compare the meanings

Compare the word 'enigmatic' with each option:A. 'Mystifying' and 'enigmatic' both imply something that is puzzling or perplexing.B. 'Hard to interpret' suggests something that is difficult to understand, aligning closely with 'enigmatic.'C. 'Difficult' is a broad term and doesn't capture the full nuance of 'enigmatic.'D. 'Confusing' implies causing confusion, which is a partial but not complete synonym for 'enigmatic.'E. 'Mysterious' directly correlates with something that is beyond ordinary understanding, matching 'enigmatic' precisely.

- Choose the best answer

From the comparison, both A and E are very close in meaning to 'enigmatic,' but E 'mysterious' is the best match because it directly captures the essence of the word.

Key concepts

word analysis

To master GMAT vocabulary, understanding word analysis is crucial. When you encounter a word like 'enigmatic,' break it down by examining its root, prefix, and suffix. This can help you guess its meaning even if you've never seen the word before. The root of 'enigmatic' comes from the Greek word 'ainigma,' meaning riddle. Therefore, anything described as 'enigmatic' would likely be puzzling or difficult to understand. When preparing for the GMAT, practice this method with unfamiliar words to build your analytical skills. Remember, breaking down words into their components can make vocabulary learning much more manageable.

synonyms

Knowing synonyms can significantly improve your vocabulary comprehension and performance. For example, 'enigmatic' has several synonyms, such as 'mysterious,' 'puzzling,' and 'perplexing.' When you encounter a GMAT vocabulary question, identifying synonyms can help you find the correct answer. In the exercise, choices provided were close in meaning, but only one of them captured the true essence of 'enigmatic.' Understanding subtle differences between synonyms can also aid in this process. Practice by creating lists of synonyms for common words and exploring their nuanced meanings. This will make you more adept at choosing the most precise word in any context.

test-taking strategies

Effective test-taking strategies can make a huge difference in your GMAT performance. When you face a vocabulary question, follow these steps:

• First, identify and understand the word in question. Break it down for clues.
• Next, scrutinize the options provided and see which ones are closest in meaning.
• Compare each option with the word to see if it captures the essence or finer nuances.

This strategy was demonstrated in the provided solution. By analyzing each option ('mystifying,' 'hard to interpret,' 'difficult,' 'confusing,' 'mysterious') and comparing them, the best synonym was identified. Practice this strategy regularly to become more proficient in tackling such questions.

vocabulary comprehension

Vocabulary comprehension is understanding the precise meaning and usage of a word in various contexts. To improve on this, read widely and actively note new words and their meanings. In the case of 'enigmatic,' we learned that it means something mysterious or difficult to understand. By regularly encountering and using new words, you improve not just your vocabulary but also your ability to derive meaning from context. Utilize tools like flashcards and vocabulary apps to reinforce learning. Passage reading, especially from diverse sources such as literature, scientific texts, and news, will expose you to different word usages, enhancing your overall comprehension.