Word a Day
cryptic
What does cryptic mean?
cryptic (adjective): having hidden (unapparent) meaning.
Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
How do you pronounce cryptic?
/ˈkɹɪptɪk/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.
Where does cryptic come from?
From Late Latin crypticus, from Ancient Greek κρυπτικός (kruptikós), from κρυπτός (kruptós, “hidden”), from κρύπτω (krúptō, “to hide”).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Test yourself: do you know “cryptic”?
Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.
What does “cryptic” mean?
in regular succession without gaps
Not quite: that's what serial means.
having hidden (unapparent) meaning
Right! That's what “cryptic” means.
lacking in liveliness or animation
Not quite: that's what dull means.
intricate, fancy, flashy, or showy
Not quite: that's what elaborate means.
Learn a word like “cryptic” every day
Word a Day for iPhone quizzes you on a few new words a day and brings each one back for review at growing intervals. Free, no account, no ads.
Coming soon to the App Store