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cryptic

Adjective

IPA /ˈkrɪptɪk/

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Meaning in plain English

Expressed in a puzzling or indirect way, so that the intended meaning is difficult for other people to understand.

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Pronunciation

cryptic/ˈkrɪptɪk/

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A message says very little directly
Its intended meaning is hidden
The reader has to work it out

A cryptic message is puzzling because its meaning is not clearly expressed.

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His cryptic text about a surprise left me guessing all morning.
The tutor's cryptic feedback gave us little guidance for revising the essay.

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His ________ text about a surprise left me guessing all morning.

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cryptic — Expressed in a puzzling or indirect way, so that the intended meaning is difficult for other people to understand.

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Expressed in a puzzling or indirect way, so that the intended meaning is difficult for other people to understand.

Compare: His cryptic text about a surprise left me guessing all morning.

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Word origin

From Greek kruptikos, related to kruptos, meaning hidden, through Latin.

Did you know?

Cryptic also describes a type of crossword whose clues involve wordplay.

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