cryptic

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective of an obscure nature; ; ; ; - Rachel Carson
  2. adjective having a secret or hidden meaning; ; ; - John Gunther
  3. adjective having a puzzling terseness

Etymology

From Late Latin crypticus, from Ancient Greek κρυπτικός (kruptikós), from κρυπτός (kruptós, “hidden”), from κρύπτω (krúptō, “to hide”). Doublet of kryptic.

In classic literature

Synonyms

cryptical, deep, inscrutable, mysterious, mystifying

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