Meaning & use
an encrypted message
Last updated
Meanings
phrasecountable
A message whose text has been turned into a secret code so that only the intended reader can understand it.
Grammar: Countable phrase: say 'an encrypted message' for one, 'encrypted messages' for more than one.
Patterns
- send an encrypted message
- receive an encrypted message
- an encrypted message from someone
She sent an encrypted message so that no one else could read the plans.
The app stores every encrypted message on your phone, not on a server.
He could not open the encrypted message without the correct password.
phrasecountablecomputingtechnical
A piece of digital communication protected by a mathematical process that scrambles its contents.
Grammar: Often used in computing contexts; the verb form is 'encrypt,' as in 'encrypt a file.'
Patterns
- encrypt a message
- an encrypted message is decrypted
- end-to-end encrypted messages
The company promises that every encrypted message stays private.
Once the encrypted message reaches the server, it is decrypted and read.
Users trust the service because it sends encrypted messages by default.
Word forms
| plural | encrypted messages |
|---|
Common combinations
- send an encrypted message
- I will send an encrypted message with the account details.
- receive an encrypted message
- You may receive an encrypted message from the bank asking you to log in.
- decrypt an encrypted message
- Only the receiver's key can decrypt an encrypted message.
- an encrypted message app
- She installed an encrypted message app for private chats.
- end-to-end encrypted message
- An end-to-end encrypted message cannot be read by the service provider.
Synonyms and how they differ
- coded message
- A coded message is broader and can mean any secret code, while an encrypted message specifically uses computer-based scrambling.
- secure message
- A secure message is protected in some way, but not necessarily by encryption.
Opposites
Word family
- encrypt verb
- to turn information into a secret code
- encryption noun
- the process of encoding information
- decrypt verb
- to turn an encrypted message back into readable text
Commonly confused: an encrypted message or encoded message?
an encrypted message vs encoded message
An encoded message is changed into a different format, often for storage or transmission, but not necessarily kept secret.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Encrypted' begins with a vowel sound, so the article must be 'an,' and the adjective form is 'encrypted,' not 'encrypt' or 'encryption.'
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “an encrypted message”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.