Cryptic: meaning, definitions and examples

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cryptic

 

[ ˈkrɪptɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

mysterious

Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure.

Synonyms

ambiguous, enigmatic, mysterious, puzzling

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,293, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.