cryptography: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, technical, academic
Quick answer
What does “cryptography” mean?
The practice and study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of adversaries.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice and study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of adversaries; encoding and decoding information to protect its confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity.
The broader field encompassing mathematical algorithms, protocols, and systems used to protect digital information, communications, and online transactions. It also refers to the art of writing or solving codes historically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling is identical. Minor potential difference in the perceived formality of the term.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the concentration of tech industries, but the term is standard and equally understood in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “cryptography” in a Sentence
[subject] uses cryptography to [purpose]The [system] relies on cryptography for [security property]She has a degree in cryptography.They are researching new methods in cryptography.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cryptography” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The software cryptographs the data before transmission.
- We need to cryptograph these files for the client.
American English
- The system encrypts (more common than 'cryptographs') the user's messages.
- They cryptographed the hard drive for added security.
adverb
British English
- The data was protected cryptographically.
- The message was sent cryptographically secure.
American English
- The system is cryptographically sound.
- They implemented it cryptographically.
adjective
British English
- The cryptographic module was certified.
- She attended a cryptographic conference.
American English
- The cryptographic standards are set by NIST.
- He works on cryptographic solutions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the technology securing online payments, corporate communications, and data protection (e.g., 'Our banking platform uses advanced cryptography.').
Academic
A core subject in computer science and mathematics departments, involving theoretical proofs and algorithm design (e.g., 'His PhD thesis focuses on post-quantum cryptography.').
Everyday
Rarely used explicitly. People might refer to 'password encryption' or 'secure messaging' instead.
Technical
The precise term used in software development, cybersecurity, and engineering specifications (e.g., 'Implement asymmetric cryptography for the key exchange.').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cryptography”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cryptography”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cryptography”
- Misspelling as 'cryptography' (missing 'o').
- Using 'cryptography' as a verb (correct verb is 'encrypt' or 'encode').
- Confusing 'cryptography' (the science) with a specific 'cipher' (an algorithm).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Encryption is a specific technique within cryptography for encoding data. Cryptography is the broader field that includes encryption, decryption, cryptographic protocols, and cryptanalysis (code-breaking).
Yes, modern cryptography is heavily based on advanced mathematics, including number theory, algebra, and probability. A strong mathematical foundation is essential for understanding and developing cryptographic algorithms.
In theory, any cryptographic system can be broken given enough time and computational power. Practical cryptography aims to make the cost (in time and resources) of breaking it far exceed the value of the protected information, making it 'computationally secure' for a given timeframe.
Symmetric cryptography uses a single secret key for both encryption and decryption. Asymmetric (or public-key) cryptography uses a pair of keys: a public key for encryption and a private key for decryption, which solves the key distribution problem inherent in symmetric systems.
The practice and study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of adversaries.
Cryptography is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Cryptography: in British English it is pronounced /krɪpˈtɒɡ.rə.fi/, and in American English it is pronounced /krɪpˈtɑː.ɡrə.fi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In the crypto wars (historical debates on public access to strong cryptography)”
- “Break the cryptography (to successfully decrypt)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CRYPT where secrets are kept. CRYPTOGRAPHY is the 'graphy' (writing) for the crypt—the writing of secrets.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS A LOCK AND KEY (cryptography provides the 'lock' for digital data). INFORMATION IS AN OBJECT TO BE HIDDEN/SHIELDED.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT primarily a concern of cryptography?