# intriguing

Pronunciation: US say "in-TREE-ging" /ɪnˈtɹiɡɪŋ/; UK

## Adjective

1. Sparking curiosity and a desire to know more, often because something seems mysterious or puzzling.
   - Simple: Making someone want to find out more because it seems strange or mysterious.
   - _The archaeologists made an intriguing discovery beneath the temple floor._
   - _His theory is intriguing but lacks supporting evidence._
2. Engaged in plotting or scheming in secret rather than acting openly.
   - Simple: Taking part in secret plots or schemes against other people.
   - _The intriguing courtier spread false rumors to ruin his rivals._
   - _Those intriguing generals plotted secretly against the emperor._

## Verb

3. Present participle of intrigue. — present participle and gerund of intrigue
   - Simple: Present participle of intrigue. Use this -ing form when the action is happening right now.
   - _The ancient manuscript was intriguing scholars across Europe._
   - _Her cryptic remarks were intriguing the entire dinner party._

## Adjective

4. Carrying on a secret or forbidden love affair; engaged in clandestine romantic relations. *(archaic)*
   - Simple: Having a secret love affair that breaks the rules of society.
   - _The intriguing countess slipped away to meet her paramour after dark._
   - _Neighbors whispered that the intriguing merchant kept a mistress across town._

## Noun

5. The carrying on of secret plots or schemes; an instance of intrigue. *(dated)*
   - Simple: Secret plotting or scheming done to trick people or gain power.
   - _The palace seethed with intriguing during the final years of the reign._
   - _Her rise to power owed much to patient intriguing behind the scenes._

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/intriguing (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).