Definition

In a way that is mysterious or difficult to understand.

Example

The message was written cryptically, leaving everyone confused about its meaning.

Conversation

Did you hear what he said about the project?

Yeah, it sounded a bit cryptically vague to me.

Right? It makes me wonder if there's more to it.

Exactly, I wish he'd just be straightforward sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cryptically → It is formed from "crypt" (from Greek "kryptos", meaning hidden) and "-ically" (meaning in a manner). The word "cryptically" means in a manner that is hidden or obscure, often referring to something that is difficult to understand or interpret.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'hidden' ('crypt') and done 'in a manner' ('-ically') that makes it hard to understand. This helps you remember that 'cryptically' refers to something that is expressed in a hidden or obscure way.

Visually Confused Words