Cryptic Meaning
/ˈkɹɪptɪk/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjHaving hidden (unapparent) meaning.
adjMystified or of an obscure nature; not easy to perceive.
Sentence Examples
Things are getting a little more cryptic!
Tom was writing cryptic notes in a cipher.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The detective found a ____ note that no one could understand.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Things are getting a little more ____!
Word Origin & History
From Late Latin crypticus, from Ancient Greek κρυπτικός (kruptikós), from κρυπτός (kruptós, “hidden”), from κρύπτω (krúptō, “to hide”). Doublet of kryptic.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I think the Original of this conceit might be, That the Students of Nature, conſcious to her more cryptick wayes of working, reſolve many ſtrange effects into the nearer efficiency of ſecond cauſes[…]"
— 1665, Joseph Glanvill, “An Apology for Philosophy”, in Scepsis Scientifica: Or, Confest Ignorance, the way to Science, London: E. Cotes, page 182:
"Even the putatively innocuous whimsical shapes and designs of cakes and pastry, notably in Central Europe, retain to this day the phallic concept, the cryptic induration of the aphrodisiac function."
— 1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page iii:
"Episematic characters are far less common than aposematic, and these than cryptic; although, as regards the latter comparison, the opposite impression is generally produced from the fact that concealment is so successfully attained."
— 1911, “Colours of Animals”, in The Encyclopædia Britannica, 11th edition, volume V, page 732:
"Much of the Permian Capitan reef was strongly differentiated into open surface and cryptic communities."
— 1999, Rachel Wood, Reef Evolution, page 95:
"He settled down to the cryptic in the Independent. He loved his crossword. It kept him mentally active, just as gossip did his wife."
— 1996, Mary McCarthy, Remember Me, page 85:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The detective found a ____ note that no one could understand.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Things are getting a little more ____!