Meaning & Definition of word "Cryptic"
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Cryptic
/ˈkrɪp.tɪk/
adjective:
- 1. having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure
- Example: The message was written in a cryptic code that took hours to decipher.
- 2. relating to or having the nature of an enigma
- Example: His cryptic remarks during the meeting left everyone confused about his true intentions.
- 3. hidden or concealed; not easy to interpret
- Example: The artist's cryptic symbols in the painting sparked various interpretations among critics.
- 4. secretive or ambiguous in nature
- Example: She gave him a cryptic smile that made him wonder what she was thinking.
Etymology
From Greek 'kryptos' meaning 'hidden'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cryptic crossword:
A puzzle in which words must be deduced from cryptic clues.
cryptic message:
A message that is difficult to interpret due to its ambiguous or hidden meaning.
cryptic remarks:
Comments that are hard to understand because they are vague or obscure.
Related Words
enigma:
A person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.
cipher:
A secret or disguised way of writing; a code.
ambiguity:
The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.
Slang Meanings of cryptic
Meaning: Unintelligible or confusing language.
Example Sentence: Stop speaking in that cryptic jargon; just explain it clearly!
Meaning: Vague or mysterious text or communication.
Example Sentence: His texts were so cryptic that I had no idea what he meant.