cryptically

IPA/ˈkrɪptɪkli/
IPA/ˈkrɪptɪkli/

cryptically — adverb

1. said or written using words whose true meaning is deliberately hidden, so that p

1.副詞B2
釋義

said or written using words whose true meaning is deliberately hidden, so that people must guess what was really intended

例句

When asked about her plans, Mayumi smiled cryptically and said nothing more.

cryptically + verb of speaking (smiled, replied, said)

The note on the desk was cryptically short, reading only 'Meet me at the bridge.'

cryptically + adjective (short) — describes the quality of the thing

同義詞
  • enigmatically

    more literary; suggests something puzzle-like or riddle-like

  • obscurely

    focuses on the difficulty of understanding rather than intentional hiddenness

  • mysteriously

    more general; can describe any situation that is puzzling, not just speech or writing

反義詞
  • clearly

    in a way that is easy to understand with no hidden meaning

  • openly

    in a direct, honest way without secrecy

用法筆記

Typically used with verbs of speaking (replied, said, smiled) or describing written communication (note, message, email). The adverb can modify either the verb ('spoke cryptically') or an adjective ('cryptically short').

常見錯誤

❌He cryptically answered the question.
✅He answered cryptically, without giving a clear answer.
💡The adverb sounds more natural after the verb or at the start of the clause rather than between subject and verb.