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Obscurely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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obscurely

[əbˈskjʊərli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a mysterious or unclear manner

Obscurely is an adverb that describes something done in a way that is not easily understood or explained. It implies a lack of clarity or transparency in the manner in which something is done or communicated. When something is done obscurely, it is shrouded in mystery or ambiguity, making it difficult for others to comprehend or interpret.

Synonyms

cryptically, mysteriously, unclearly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
obscurely

Used to describe something that is not clear or hard to understand, often due to lack of detail or complexity.

  • The instructions were written so obscurely that we couldn't follow them.
  • He spoke obscurely, leaving everyone puzzled about his true intentions.
mysteriously

Used when something is unexplained or difficult to understand, often evoking a sense of intrigue or suspense. It is commonly used in storytelling or describing strange events.

  • The artifact disappeared mysteriously from the museum.
  • He mysteriously vanished without a trace, and no one knew what happened.
unclearly

Used to describe something that lacks clarity or precision. This word is often used in everyday contexts where communication or visual clarity is an issue.

  • The email was written unclearly, causing confusion among the team.
  • She spoke unclearly, making it hard for everyone to understand her point.
cryptically

Used when something is stated in a way that is difficult to understand and may appear to contain a hidden meaning. Often used in the context of puzzles, codes, or indirect communication.

  • She answered the question cryptically, leaving everyone guessing.
  • The note was written cryptically, with symbols and codes that took hours to decipher.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke obscurely about his intentions, leaving us unsure of what he meant.
  • The instructions were written obscurely, leading to confusion among the participants.
  • She answered the question obscurely, leaving us with more questions than answers.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many poets use 'obscurely' to describe feelings or thoughts that are complicated or layered.
  • The term often appears in modern literature to convey themes of mystery or hidden meanings.

Cognitive Psychology

  • Obscure information can lead to something called 'cognitive dissonance,' where people struggle with conflicting ideas.
  • The 'obscurity effect' explains how things that are unclear might make us more curious to learn and discover.

Art

  • Artists may create 'obscurely' by using abstract forms, prompting viewers to find personal meaning in unclear representations.
  • In surrealism, works often feature obscure elements that challenge viewers' perceptions and interpretations.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of 'obscurely' is often portrayed in mystery films where clues are hidden, creating suspense.
  • Indie music frequently explores themes expressed obscurely, leading listeners to decipher deeper meanings or emotions.

Origin of 'obscurely'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'obscurus,' meaning 'dark' or 'unclear'.
  • It has been used in English since the 15th century, indicating something that isn't easy to see or know.

The word 'obscurely' originated from the Middle English word 'obscureli', which was derived from the Old French word 'obscur', meaning 'dark' or 'obscure'. The suffix '-ly' was added to form the adverbial form. Throughout history, 'obscurely' has been used to describe actions or communications that are unclear, mysterious, or difficult to understand.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,174, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.