Cryptic: meaning, definitions and examples
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cryptic
[ ˈkrɪptɪk ]
mysterious
Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure.
Synonyms
ambiguous, enigmatic, mysterious, puzzling.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
cryptic |
Use this when something is intentionally obscure and difficult to understand, often conveying hidden meaning.
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mysterious |
This fits when something is strange or not easily explained, evoking curiosity and wonder.
|
enigmatic |
Use this when something or someone is intriguing because they are difficult to understand or interpret, often with a sense of mystery.
|
puzzling |
This is best for situations where something is confusing and hard to figure out, often causing frustration.
|
ambiguous |
This is suitable for situations where something can be understood in more than one way, leading to confusion or multiple interpretations.
|
Examples of usage
- It was a cryptic message that nobody could understand.
- The cryptic symbols on the ancient artifact puzzled archaeologists.
- The cryptic smile on her face made him wonder what she was thinking.
- The cryptic nature of the painting left viewers intrigued.
- The cryptic crossword puzzle required a lot of deciphering.
Translations
Translations of the word "cryptic" in other languages:
🇵🇹 críptico
🇮🇳 रहस्यमय
🇩🇪 rätselhaft
🇮🇩 misterius
🇺🇦 загадковий
🇵🇱 tajemniczy
🇯🇵 謎めいた (nazo meita)
🇫🇷 cryptique
🇪🇸 críptico
🇹🇷 gizemli
🇰🇷 수수께끼 같은 (susu kkeokki gateun)
🇸🇦 غامض
🇨🇿 záhadný
🇸🇰 záhadný
🇨🇳 神秘的 (shénmì de)
🇸🇮 skrivnosten
🇮🇸 dularfullur
🇰🇿 жұмбақ
🇬🇪 ამოუხსნელი
🇦🇿 sirli
🇲🇽 críptico
Etymology
The word 'cryptic' originated from the Greek word 'kryptikos', meaning hidden or secret. It has been used in English since the mid-17th century to describe something with a hidden or mysterious meaning.
See also: crypt, cryptanalysis, cryptanalyst, cryptanalytics, crypto, cryptogram, cryptography, cryptology, cryptosystem, decrypt, encrypt.