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criptico

cryptic, enigmatic

adjective KREEP-tee-koh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Quality

Origin: From Greek kryptos, 'hidden'.

Usage Note

Criptico describes language, behaviour, or messages that are deliberately obscure or hard to interpret. The feminine is criptica; plurals criptici/criptiche. Note the spelling: Italian drops the 'y' and uses 'i' (criptico, not cryptico). It is stronger than oscuro ('dark, obscure') and implies intentional concealment.

Examples

"Il suo messaggio era talmente criptico da confondere tutti."

Natural Translation

His message was so cryptic that it confused everyone.

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