záhadný

Záhadný is a Czech adjective meaning mysterious or enigmatic. It is used to describe people, events, objects, or phenomena whose nature or causes are not readily understood and invite curiosity or investigation.

Etymology and grammar: The word is derived from the noun záhada, meaning mystery, with the adjectival suffix -ný. Záhadný behaves as a standard Czech adjective and inflects for gender and number (for example, masculine, feminine, and neuter forms in singular and plural).

Usage and nuances: Common collocations include záhadný muž (a mysterious man), záhadný případ (a mysterious case), záhadný příběh (a mysterious story), and záhadná okolnost (an enigmatic circumstance). In literature and journalism it often conveys intrigue or unsettledness. While it can be used descriptively, excessive or sensational use may give a slightly hyperbolic or dramatic tone.

Synonyms and related terms: Tajemný is the closest synonym, conveying secrecy and allure as well as mystery. Záhadný emphasizes the puzzling or unexplained aspect more than mere secrecy, while neznámý stresses lack of knowledge or recognition rather than inherent mystery. The term is common in Czech and has cognates in related Slavic languages, such as Slovak, where záhadný carries a nearly identical meaning.