Gnomic is a formal adjective describing communication that is cryptic and expressed in few words. It is used for statements or writings that are terse and often puzzling. For example, an artist might give gnomic responses about their work, leaving others confused. The word originates from the concept of a gnome, which is a concise, wise, or metaphorical phrase. The Greeks used the word gnōmē for such sayings, derived from their verb meaning "to know." This aphoristic gnome is distinct from the mythological dwarf, stemming from a different origin. The adjective "gnomic" entered English usage in the late 18th century. It characterizes a style of expression that is brief and often mysterious. This pithy quality can make gnomic statements difficult to fully comprehend. Overall, gnomic communication prioritizes brevity and profoundness, sometimes at the expense of immediate clarity.