Obscured Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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obscured

[əbˈskjʊəd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

hidden

Not clearly seen or easily distinguished; faint or dim. Obscured objects are difficult to perceive due to lack of clarity or visibility.

Synonyms

concealed, hidden, veiled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obscured

Used when something is not clearly visible or difficult to see due to an obstacle or a condition.

  • The moon was obscured by clouds
  • His motives were obscured by his strange behavior
hidden

Generally used when something is out of sight, either unintentionally or by natural circumstances.

  • The key was hidden under the doormat
  • The village was hidden by the dense forest
concealed

Used when something is intentionally kept out of sight or hidden with purpose.

  • The treasure was concealed behind a secret panel
  • She concealed her emotions well
veiled

Indicates something that is partially hidden or covered, often in a metaphorical or figurative sense.

  • Her intentions were veiled in mystery
  • He gave a veiled threat during the meeting

Examples of usage

  • The moon was obscured by clouds.
  • His face was obscured in the shadows.
Context #2 | Verb

hidden

To make unclear, indistinct, or difficult to understand. To conceal or cover up.

Synonyms

blur, conceal, mask.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obscured

This word is often used when something is partially hidden or not clearly visible due to obstacles or other factors.

  • The mountains were obscured by clouds
  • The truth was obscured by lies and deceit
conceal

This word is used when something is intentionally hidden or kept secret. It has a more deliberate implication.

  • He tried to conceal the evidence
  • The makeup couldn't conceal her beauty
blur

This word is used when something lacks sharpness or clarity, often visually or in memory. It can be used for both physical and abstract concepts.

  • The photo was a blur
  • His memories of that night were just a blur
mask

This word is used to describe something that covers or hides, often used metaphorically to describe hiding emotions or intentions.

  • He wore a mask to the party
  • She tried to mask her disappointment with a smile

Examples of usage

  • The fog obscured the view of the mountains.
  • The details were purposely obscured by the author.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'obscured'

The word 'obscured' originates from the Latin word 'obscurus', meaning 'dark' or 'dim'. Over time, it has evolved to represent something that is hidden, unclear, or difficult to perceive. The concept of obscuration has been explored in various fields, from art to meteorology, highlighting its significance in different contexts.


See also: obscuration, obscure, obscurely, obscureness, obscurity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,076, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.