Obscuration: meaning, definitions and examples

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obscuration

[ˌɒbskjʊˈreɪʃn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

weather condition

The act of making something less visible, typically by obscuring or clouding it.

Synonyms

concealment, obstruction, veiling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obscuration	Used to describe the act of making something unclear or difficult to understand. It often implies a deliberate attempt to hide the truth or details. The politician's speech was full of obscuration, leaving the audience unclear about his true intentions. Obscuration of the facts in a report can lead to mistrust.
obstruction	Used to describe anything that blocks a path or makes progress difficult. It often carries a negative connotation. The fallen tree was an obstruction on the road, causing a massive traffic jam. Legal obstruction can delay proceedings and frustrate the interested parties.
concealment	Best used when referring to the act of hiding something from being seen or known. It often implies secrecy. The concealment of evidence during the investigation led to a wrongful conviction. He was skilled in the art of concealment, always managing to keep his secrets hidden.
veiling	Often used in a more poetic or figurative sense to describe the act of covering or shrouding something, usually in a gentle or mysterious way. The mist was veiling the mountains, creating an ethereal landscape. Her motives were veiled in mystery, making it hard to understand her true purpose.

Examples of usage

The obscuration of the sun by thick clouds made it difficult to see.
Due to the heavy fog, there was an obscuration of the landscape.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

astronomy

The process of one celestial body passing in front of another, temporarily obscuring it from view.

Synonyms

eclipse, occultation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
obscuration	This term is often used in scientific, technical, or formal contexts to describe the act of making something less visible or clear. It might be used in a variety of fields such as astronomy, weather forecasting, or metaphorically in academic writing. The dense fog caused the obscuration of the landscape The professor's complex language led to an obscuration of the main points
eclipse	Eclipse is specifically used in astronomy to describe the phenomenon where one celestial body moves into the shadow of another. It can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where one thing overshadows or outshines another. During a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the earth and the sun Her incredible performance eclipsed all other competitors
occultation	This term is mostly used in an astronomical context when one celestial body passes in front of another, temporarily blocking it from view. It is a more technical term and less commonly used in everyday language. The occultation of the star by the moon was a stunning event to observe for astronomers There is an upcoming occultation of Venus by the Moon

Word

Description / Examples

obscuration

This term is often used in scientific, technical, or formal contexts to describe the act of making something less visible or clear. It might be used in a variety of fields such as astronomy, weather forecasting, or metaphorically in academic writing.

The dense fog caused the obscuration of the landscape
The professor's complex language led to an obscuration of the main points

eclipse

Eclipse is specifically used in astronomy to describe the phenomenon where one celestial body moves into the shadow of another. It can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where one thing overshadows or outshines another.

During a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the earth and the sun
Her incredible performance eclipsed all other competitors

occultation

This term is mostly used in an astronomical context when one celestial body passes in front of another, temporarily blocking it from view. It is a more technical term and less commonly used in everyday language.

The occultation of the star by the moon was a stunning event to observe for astronomers
There is an upcoming occultation of Venus by the Moon

Examples of usage

The obscuration of the moon by the Earth during a lunar eclipse is a breathtaking sight.
During a solar eclipse, the obscuration of the sun by the moon creates a mesmerizing effect.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'obscuratio', which means 'darkening'.
It has roots in 'obscurus', meaning 'dark' or 'concealed'.
The term has been used in English since the early 17th century.

Science

In astronomy, obscuration can refer to when one celestial body blocks another from view.
When studying light, scientists look at how obscuration affects visibility and perception.
In ecology, obscuration can describe how vegetation or structures can block sunlight from reaching the ground.

Art

Artists sometimes use obscuration techniques to create mystery or depth in their work.
In photography, obscuration can enhance mood by playing with shadows and light.
Obscuration in art may also involve the use of layers to create hidden messages or features.

Philosophy

In philosophy, obscuration can signify the difficulty of understanding complex ideas.
Some philosophers argue that too many words can lead to obscuration of meaning.
The concept of obscuration is often tied to discussions about perception and truth.

Pop Culture

In films, themes of obscuration are common, often shown through fog or darkness to create suspense.
Mystery novels frequently use obscuration to hide clues and build tension.
The concept can also be found in music, where lyrics may purposely obscure meanings for artistic effect.

Translations

Translations of the word "obscuration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obscurecimento

🇮🇳 अंधकार

🇩🇪 Verdunkelung

🇮🇩 penggelapan

🇺🇦 затемнення

🇵🇱 zaciemnienie

🇯🇵 暗化 (an'ka)

🇫🇷 obscurcissement

🇪🇸 oscurecimiento

🇹🇷 karartma

🇰🇷 암흑 (amheuk)

🇸🇦 تعتيم

🇨🇿 zatemnění

🇸🇰 zatmenie

🇨🇳 遮蔽 (zhēbì)

🇸🇮 zatemnitev

🇮🇸 myrkvun

🇰🇿 қараңғылану

🇬🇪 დაბნელება

🇦🇿 qaralma

🇲🇽 oscurecimiento