mysteriously

American  

[mi-steer-ee-uhs-lee] / ˌmɪˈstɪər i əs li /

adverb

1. in a mysterious way.

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Explanation

If something occurs in a strange or eerie way, you can say it happens mysteriously. Your little brother might mysteriously disappear every time the dog needs to be walked, for example. When something can't be easily explained, it happens mysteriously. Some people say that boats mysteriously disappear in a region of the Atlantic Ocean known as the Bermuda Triangle, and others tell stories of sick people being mysteriously healed by prayer. At the heart of mysteriously is the noun mystery, which had only a religious meaning until the late fourteenth century, and which is rooted in the the Greek word mysterion, "secret rite or doctrine."

Example Sentences

The Rolling Stones have mysteriously released a new limited edition single on vinyl only, under the band name The Cockroaches, further fueling speculation the British rockers are poised to drop a 25th studio album.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

More recently, the category has been bolstered by initial public offerings of foreign-domiciled companies that have mysteriously surged, luring retail investors before they plunge.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

In 2024, he mysteriously disappeared in Nairobi, only to appear four days later in a Ugandan military court.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2026

Riders now tap phones, credit cards or transit passes without worrying about balances disappearing or cards mysteriously refusing to swipe.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2025

All things in heaven and earth were mysteriously linked with the divine powers, but beautiful things most of all.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton