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1. Etymology of the English word mystery

the English word mystery
derived from the Latin word mysterium (mystery, secret service, rite)
derived from the Greek word musterion, μυστήριον (a secret or 'mystery' (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites))
derived from the Greek word mustes, μύστης
derived from the Greek word muein, μύειν

Cognates

Dutch mysterie, French mystère, German Mysterium, Italian mistero, Latin mysterium, Norwegian mysterium, Swedish mysterium

Usage

Word found in Modern English

2. Etymology of the English word mystery

derived from the English word mystery
derived from the Medieval Latin word misterium (mystery, secret service, rite)
derived from the Latin word ministerium (ministry; office, attendance, service)
derived from the Latin word minister (attendant, servant, waiter; minister)
derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *mei-

Usage

Word found in Modern English



Comments

Craig Salvay
11 Jul 2009, 12:27
Ultimately derived from Semitic language S-T-R (sah-tahr) meaning "hidden" or "concealed." The "Meh" sound at the beginning gives the additional sense of "that which is." Thus, Meh-sah-tahr means "that which is hidden" or "that which is concealed." 090711

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