enigma, effigy, nuance, talisman, bigot: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient set 5. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. enigma · noun/ɪˈnɪɡ.mə/

   something that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand

   The old book was an enigma, full of strange symbols and hidden meanings.

   Synonyms: mystery, puzzle, conundrum

   Origin: from Latin 'aenigma', from Greek 'ainigma', meaning 'to speak in riddles'

2. effigy · noun/ˈɛfɪdʒi/

   a sculpted or painted representation of a person

   The crowd celebrated by carrying an effigy of their favorite hero during the parade.

   Synonyms: likeness, statue, figure

   Origin: from Latin 'effigies', meaning 'a representation or image'

3. nuance · noun/ˈnuˌɑns/

   a subtle difference or distinction in meaning or opinion

   The artist used many colors to show the nuance of feelings in her painting.

   Synonyms: subtlety, distinction, variation

   Origin: from French 'nuance', meaning 'shading' or 'slight difference'

4. talisman · noun/ˈtælɪzˌmæn/

   an object believed to have magical powers and to bring good luck

   She carried a small talisman in her pocket for good luck during the exam.

   Synonyms: amulet, charm, mascot

   Origin: From Middle French 'talisman', from Arabic 'tilasm', from Greek 'telesma' meaning 'completion, religious rite'.

5. bigot · noun/ˈbɪɡət/

   a person who is obstinately or unreasonably attached to a particular set of beliefs or opinions and intolerant of different ones

   He is such a bigot that he refuses to accept anyone with different beliefs.

   Synonyms: dogmatist

   Origin: The word 'bigot' is believed to have originated in the early 16th century, possibly from the French term 'bigot,' meaning 'hypocrite,' or from the Old French 'bigot,' meaning 'devout.'