Obscure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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obscure
[əbˈskjʊər ]
Definitions
rarely known or understood
Obscure means not discovered or known about; uncertain. It can also refer to something hidden, not easily understood, or not clearly expressed.
Synonyms
ambiguous, cryptic, enigmatic, mysterious.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obscure |
Used when something is not easily understood or lacks clarity. It often refers to things that are hidden or not well-known.
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| ambiguous |
Used when something can have more than one meaning or interpretation. It often causes confusion due to a lack of clear definition.
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| cryptic |
Used when something is intentionally mysterious or difficult to understand. It typically implies a hidden meaning that requires effort to decipher.
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| mysterious |
Used when something is full of secrets or difficult to explain, often creating a sense of curiosity and wonder.
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| enigmatic |
Used to describe something or someone that is mysterious and difficult to understand. It often carries a sense of fascination or intrigue.
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Examples of usage
- The origins of the ancient artifact are obscure.
- His motives for leaving the company were obscure to his colleagues.
to make unclear or difficult to understand
As a verb, obscure means to make something unclear, difficult to understand, or hidden from view. It can also refer to making something less visible or prominent.
Synonyms
conceal, obfuscate, shroud, veil.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obscure |
Use when you want to describe something that is not easily seen or understood. It implies being hidden or not clear and often refers to information or objects.
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| conceal |
Use when you want to talk about hiding something intentionally to prevent it from being discovered. It usually implies a deliberate effort.
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| obfuscate |
Use when you want to describe making something intentionally confusing or difficult to understand. This word often has a negative connotation.
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| veil |
Use when you want to describe covering something partially or fully, often adding an element of mystery or disguise. It can be used both literally and figuratively.
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| shroud |
Use when you want to suggest covering something in a way that results in it being out of sight or hidden from view. Often used metaphorically.
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Examples of usage
- The fog obscured the view of the mountains.
- The author's use of complex language obscured the true meaning of the text.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, 'obscure' is often used to describe themes or meanings that are intentionally ambiguous, inviting deep analysis.
- Many famous authors, such as James Joyce, are noted for their obscure writing styles, challenging readers to interpret their work.
- Obscure poetry often employs metaphors and archaic language, which can make it both intriguing and frustrating to read.
Pop Culture
- The term 'obscure music' refers to lesser-known artists or songs that have a cult following, often celebrated for their uniqueness.
- In movies, obscure films can gain popularity over time, especially through word-of-mouth or special screenings at festivals.
- Some internet culture communities thrive on sharing obscure memes, emphasizing humor in the unknown or niche references.
Psychology
- The concept of 'obscure familiarity' refers to when a person feels they know something but can't remember where it came from.
- Research suggests that obscure or confusing information can lead to curiosity, encouraging deeper exploration of a subject.
- The 'obscure effect' in decision-making can cause people to overlook important information, affecting their choices.
Science
- In science, 'obscure' might refer to phenomena or findings that aren't widely recognized or understood, often leading to new discoveries.
- Obscure species in biology are often difficult to classify due to their rarity, pushing scientists to explore biodiversity.
- Many discoveries in physics were once considered obscure until further research validated their significance.
Origin of 'obscure'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'obscurus,' meaning dark or hidden, reflecting its essence of being unclear.
- In Middle English, it was spelled as 'obscur,' maintaining its meaning related to dimness or lack of clarity.
- The prefix 'ob-' means 'over' or 'against,' implying something that is hidden from view.
The word 'obscure' originated from the Latin word 'obscurus', meaning dark, dim, or not easily understood. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of something hidden or unclear. The concept of obscurity has been explored in various literary works and philosophical discussions, highlighting the complexity and mystery often associated with the term.
See also: obscuration, obscured, obscurely, obscureness, obscurity.