Riddle

Etymology

Middle English redels, ridel, from Old English rǣdelse opinion, conjecture, riddle; akin to Old English rǣdan to interpret — more at read

• Date: before 12th century

Definitions

• 1 : a mystifying, misleading, or puzzling question posed as a problem to be solved or guessed : conundrum, enigma
• 2 : something or someone difficult to understand

Synonyms

• see mystery and enigma

Description

A riddle is a statement or question or phrase having a double or veiled meaning, put forth as a puzzle to be solved. Riddles are of two types: enigmas, which are problems generally expressed in metaphorical or allegorical language that require ingenuity and careful thinking for their solution, and conundrums, which are questions relying for their effects on punning in either the question or the answer. Example: Hate is like a desert, you never know when it's going to break.[1]