Gnomic
/ˈnəʊmɪk/adjective
Something that is said or written in a way that is mysterious and hard to understand.
She spoke in gnomic sentences, leaving everyone perplexed.
Often appears as...
- gnomic utterances
- gnomic wisdom
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
adjective
Related to short, meaningful, and often puzzling statement or saying.
The old man's gnomic statements left the young boy puzzled.
Often appears as...
- gnomic proverbs
- gnomic poems
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
adjective
Relating to a genre of ancient Greek literature consisting of short maxims or sayings.
I love reading gnomic poetry.
Often appears as...
- gnomic literature
- gnomic verses
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
adjective
Something that is said or written in a way that is mysterious and hard to understand.
She spoke in gnomic sentences, leaving everyone perplexed.
Often appears as...
- gnomic utterances
- gnomic wisdom
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
adjective
Related to short, meaningful, and often puzzling statement or saying.
The old man's gnomic statements left the young boy puzzled.
Often appears as...
- gnomic proverbs
- gnomic poems
Usage tips
Formal
Literary
adjective
Relating to a genre of ancient Greek literature consisting of short maxims or sayings.
I love reading gnomic poetry.
Often appears as...
- gnomic literature
- gnomic verses
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Unravel Mystique
Gnomic conveys mystery, implying the speaker knows something the listener must decipher.
His gnomic remark hinted at a secret.
Pro Tip 2/3Artistic Ambiguity
Often used in creative writing to invoke thought and deeper interpretation.
The novelist's gnomic descriptions sparked endless debates among readers.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Overuse
Using 'gnomic' too frequently may confuse readers; sprinkle it sparingly for impact.
Occasional gnomic phrases pique interest; too many and you'll lose your audience.
Compare with
abstrusecrypticenigmaticesotericinscrutablemysteriousobscurepuzzle
Never forget "Gnomic"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension