mystique

American  

[mi-steek] / mɪˈstik /

noun

1. a framework of doctrines, ideas, beliefs, or the like, constructed around a person or object, endowing the person or object with enhanced value or profound meaning.

   the mystique of Poe.

2. an aura of mystery or mystical power surrounding a particular occupation or pursuit.

   the mystique of nuclear science.

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mystique British  

/ mɪˈstiːk /

noun

1. an aura of mystery, power, and awe that surrounds a person or thing

   the mystique of the theatre

   the mystique of computer programming

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Etymology

Origin of mystique

1890–95; < French (adj.); mystic

Example Sentences

Melania’s defining characteristic is absence — and it’s done nothing to cultivate a sense of mystique for the first lady.

From Salon

As with Odd Future, the New York collective used the multimedia richness and easily shareable content of Tumblr to build both a defining aesthetic and an air of mystique for its projects.

From The Wall Street Journal

The mystique of the All Blacks has also been dented by the need to leverage it for revenue.

From BBC

You might expect that seeing the process up close would spoil the mystique, like a magician revealing their tricks, but in the case of Adrien and Kathy, it only deepened the sense of wonder.

From Los Angeles Times

Guards are eyed differently, the warden’s mystique is diminished.

From The Wall Street Journal