Delphic
adjective
Difficult to understand or interpret; confusing.
He gave a delphic reply to the direct question.
adjective
Related to the ancient Greek oracle at Delphi.
The delphic prophecies were considered very important in ancient times.
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Difficult to understand or interpret; confusing.
He gave a delphic reply to the direct question.
adjective
Related to the ancient Greek oracle at Delphi.
The delphic prophecies were considered very important in ancient times.
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Modern Ambiguity
Used to describe statements that are intentionally or unintentionally obscure, raising more questions than answers.
His delphic comments left everyone guessing his real intentions.
Pro Tip 2/3Conversation Hint
Indicates the speaker doesn't want to reveal too much or be straightforward, often in sensitive situations.
She answered with a delphic shrug, avoiding eye contact.
Pro Tip 3/3Perception Check
Listening for 'delphic' in conversations could signal a hidden meaning or underlying complexity in the topic.
The CEO's delphic statement made the investors double-check the figures.
Pro Tip 1/3Modern Ambiguity
Used to describe statements that are intentionally or unintentionally obscure, raising more questions than answers.
His delphic comments left everyone guessing his real intentions.
Pro Tip 2/3Conversation Hint
Indicates the speaker doesn't want to reveal too much or be straightforward, often in sensitive situations.
She answered with a delphic shrug, avoiding eye contact.
Pro Tip 3/3Perception Check
Listening for 'delphic' in conversations could signal a hidden meaning or underlying complexity in the topic.
The CEO's delphic statement made the investors double-check the figures.
Pro Tip 1/3Modern Ambiguity
Used to describe statements that are intentionally or unintentionally obscure, raising more questions than answers.
His delphic comments left everyone guessing his real intentions.
Pro Tip 2/3Conversation Hint
Indicates the speaker doesn't want to reveal too much or be straightforward, often in sensitive situations.
She answered with a delphic shrug, avoiding eye contact.
Pro Tip 3/3Perception Check
Listening for 'delphic' in conversations could signal a hidden meaning or underlying complexity in the topic.
The CEO's delphic statement made the investors double-check the figures.
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Quote examples
James Wolcott
American Critic
What had brought me to New York in the autumn of 1972 was a letter of recommendation written by Norman Mailer, the author of 'The Naked and the Dead' and American literature's leading heavyweight contender, to Dan Wolf, the delphic editor of 'The Village Voice.
Quote examples
James Wolcott
American Critic
What had brought me to New York in the autumn of 1972 was a letter of recommendation written by Norman Mailer, the author of 'The Naked and the Dead' and American literature's leading heavyweight contender, to Dan Wolf, the delphic editor of 'The Village Voice.
Example 1 of 1
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