Cryptic vs. Obvious — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 19, 2023
Cryptic refers to something that is intentionally obscure or hard to understand. Obvious, on the other hand, means that something is easily recognizable or clear.
Difference Between Cryptic and Obvious
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cryptic often describes messages, statements, or phenomena that are intentionally vague, ambiguous, or concealed. Obvious implies that something is transparent, straightforward, and requires no additional thought to be understood. A cryptic puzzle demands intellectual effort to solve, while an obvious one might be quickly solved even by a child.
In literature, cryptic messages might be found in complex poetry or enigmatic plot twists, requiring the reader to dig deeper for meaning. Obvious themes or messages, however, are readily apparent and may not offer much room for interpretation. In both cases, the level of cryptic or obvious elements can significantly affect the reader's experience and engagement.
In everyday conversations, cryptic comments can be puzzling and may require further inquiry to understand the speaker's intention. Obvious statements, by contrast, are typically understood immediately and might even be considered trite or redundant. While cryptic language often intrigues and invites further exploration, obvious language simplifies communication but might lack depth.
Cryptic elements are often used in art, philosophy, and even in technological settings to engage, challenge, or secure. Obvious elements serve to guide, instruct, and inform in a straightforward manner. While a cryptic code needs deciphering, an obvious signpost directs you clearly where to go.
Comparison Chart
Clarity
Intentionally unclear
Easily understood
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Complexity
Often complex
Generally straightforward
Interpretation
Requires interpretation
Little to no interpretation needed
Intention
To obscure or challenge
To clarify or inform
Engagement
Invites deeper thought
Readily grasped
Compare with Definitions
Cryptic
Cryptic means being intentionally obscure or enigmatic.
The artist's cryptic painting left viewers puzzled.
Obvious
Obvious implies that something is readily apparent or visible.
It was obvious that he was upset, given his facial expression.
Cryptic
Cryptic can describe a coded or concealed piece of information.
The spy left a cryptic note for his contact.
Obvious
Obvious can describe something that is common knowledge or undisputed.
The earth revolving around the sun is an obvious fact.
Cryptic
Cryptic refers to something difficult to understand or interpret.
Her cryptic message took days to decipher.
Obvious
Obvious suggests something is unequivocal and leaves no room for doubt.
The team's talent was obvious after they won every match.
Cryptic
Cryptic is often used to describe language that is vague or ambiguous.
His cryptic comments left everyone in the room wondering.
Obvious
Easily perceived or understood; clear, self-evident, or apparent
Unemployment has been the most obvious cost of the recession
It was obvious a storm was coming in
Cryptic
Cryptic suggests a level of mystery or secrecy.
The manuscript contained cryptic symbols that no one could explain.
Obvious
Easily perceived or understood; apparent.
Cryptic
Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure
He found his boss's utterances too cryptic
Obvious
Easily seen through because of a lack of subtlety; transparent
An obvious political ploy that fooled no one.
Cryptic
(of coloration or markings) serving to camouflage an animal in its natural environment
Cryptic plumage is thought to minimize predation
Obvious
Easily discovered, seen, or understood; self-explanatory.
Cryptic
Having hidden meaning; mystifying.
Obvious
Opposing; fronting.
To the evil turnMy obvious breast.
Cryptic
Secret or occult.
Obvious
Exposed; subject; open; liable.
Cryptic
Using code or cipher.
Obvious
Easily discovered, seen, or understood; readily perceived by the eye or the intellect; plain; evident; apparent; as, an obvious meaning; an obvious remark.
Apart and easy to be known they lie,Amidst the heap, and obvious to the eye.
Cryptic
(Biology) Tending to conceal or camouflage
Cryptic coloring.
Obvious
Easily perceived or understood;
Obvious errors
Cryptic
Having hidden (unapparent) meaning.
Obvious
Easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind;
A perceptible sense of expectation in the court
An obvious (or palpable) lie
Cryptic
Mystified or of an obscure nature.
Obvious
Obvious to the eye or mind;
A tower conspicuous at a great distance
Wore conspicuous neckties
Made herself conspicuous by her exhibitionistic preening
Cryptic
Involving use of a code or cipher.
Obvious
Obvious to the eye;
A visible change of expression
Cryptic
Of a crossword puzzle, or a clue in such a puzzle, using, in addition to definitions, wordplay such as anagrams, homophones and hidden words to indicate solutions.
Obvious
Obvious refers to something easily understood or clear.
The answer to the question was so obvious that everyone got it right.
Cryptic
(zoology) Well camouflaged; having good camouflage.
Lonomia caterpillars are extremely cryptic.
Obvious
Obvious means lacking subtlety or depth.
The movie's plot was so obvious that I predicted the ending within the first 10 minutes.
Cryptic
(zoology) Serving as camouflage.
Cryptic colouring
Cryptic
Apparently identical, but actually genetically distinct.
Cryptic species
Cryptic
(zoology) Living in a cavity or small cave.
Cryptic
(informal) A cryptic crossword puzzle.
Cryptic
Hidden; secret; occult.
Cryptic
Incomprehensible to those not familiar with the culture or jargon; as, the new insurance policy is written without cryptic or mysterious terms.
Cryptic
Having a secret or hidden meaning; as, cryptic symbols engraved in stone; cryptic writings.
Cryptic
Having a puzzling terseness; as, a cryptic note.
Cryptic
Not evident; unrecognized; as, a cryptic infection.
Cryptic
Written in a code or cipher; as, a cryptic message.
Cryptic
Of an obscure nature;
The new insurance policy is written without cryptic or mysterious terms
A deep dark secret
The inscrutible workings of Providence
In its mysterious past it encompasses all the dim origins of life
Rituals totally mystifying to visitors from other lands
Cryptic
Having a secret or hidden meaning;
Cabalistic symbols engraved in stone
Cryptic writings
Thoroughly sibylline in most of his pronouncements
Cryptic
Having a puzzling terseness;
A cryptic note
Common Curiosities
What does obvious mean?
Obvious means that something is easily recognizable or clear.
What does cryptic mean?
Cryptic refers to something that is intentionally obscure or difficult to understand.
Why do people use obvious language?
Obvious language is used to simplify communication and make information clear.
Do cryptic elements add depth?
Cryptic elements often add layers of meaning or depth, inviting further interpretation.
What's an example of something cryptic?
A riddle or an enigmatic painting can be considered cryptic.
What's an example of something obvious?
A stop sign is an example of something obvious designed for immediate understanding.
Can something be both cryptic and obvious?
It's unlikely, as the terms are generally opposites in terms of clarity and interpretive demands.
Can obviousness be a disadvantage?
Being too obvious can sometimes be seen as lacking depth or subtlety.
Why do people use cryptic language?
Cryptic language can be used to challenge, intrigue, or secure information.
Is cryptic language always intentional?
Cryptic language is often intentional but can sometimes arise from poor communication.
Can obvious facts be wrong?
What seems obvious might later be proven incorrect, but "obvious facts" are generally accepted truths.
Does obvious mean simple?
Obvious elements are generally straightforward and easy to understand, often considered simple.
What are the risks of being too cryptic?
Being too cryptic can lead to misunderstandings or failure to communicate effectively.
Does cryptic always mean complicated?
While not always complicated, cryptic elements usually require some level of interpretation.
What are the benefits of being obvious?
Being obvious ensures clarity and immediate understanding, facilitating smooth communication.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
