mystique
/mɪˈstiːk/ (bre, ipa) · /mɪˈstiːk/ (ame, ipa) · /mi-ˈstēk/ (ame, mw)
mystique — noun
1. an air of secrecy, glamour, or fascination that surrounds a person, place, profe
an air of secrecy, glamour, or fascination that surrounds a person, place, profession, or activity and makes others see it as more special, important, or alluring than it really is — for example, the appeal that ballet dancers, secret service agents, or old Parisian cafés seem to carry around them.
Ezra felt the mystique of the old Kyoto temple the moment he stepped inside.
the mystique of [place] for fascination of a location
There is a certain mystique around fashion designers who never give interviews to the press.
mystique around [group] for collective allure
The small island has lost much of its mystique since cruise ships started arriving every week.
Élise tried to keep some mystique about her past by never mentioning her old job in Paris.
Part of the band's mystique came from playing only ten concerts a year.
- aura
broader; can be positive or negative, while mystique always implies fascination.
- allure
emphasises pull or attraction; mystique adds an element of secrecy or mystery.
- glamour
focuses on visible style and excitement; mystique is quieter and depends on what is hidden.
- charisma
personal quality of a person who attracts others; mystique can surround places, jobs, or eras too.
- ordinariness
the quality of being plain and unremarkable, the opposite of an aura that excites curiosity.
- transparency
openness that leaves nothing hidden, removing the secrecy mystique depends on.
文法句型
the mystique of [noun]
[noun]'s mystique
用法筆記
Almost always uncountable and used with 'the', 'a certain', or a possessive. Subject is typically a person, place, profession, group, or activity perceived from the outside; rarely used about ordinary, everyday things.