Vocabulary in context
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Obscure
Not clear or easily understood; not readily noticed or known; also, to make something unclear or difficult to discern.
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Imagine This
Imagine walking through a foggy forest where the trail disappears and distant landmarks blur; the scene is obscure, and you can’t tell which way to go.
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Sounds Like
uhb-SKYUR
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Looks Like
Visually resembles 'obscure' in spelling; shares the same root as 'obscurity'.
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Remember This
Obscure can describe something not widely known (an obscure author) or something not clearly expressed (an obscure point). The noun form is obscurity.
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Other Forms
obscuritynoun
obscuredadjective
obscuringverb
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Connect With
unclear, ambiguous, cryptic, opaque, veiled
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Note
As a verb, obscure means to hide, dim, or conceal. Do not confuse with 'obvious' or 'evident.'
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The meaning of the poem was obscure to many readers.
- Mist obscured the harbor, making it difficult for ships to navigate.
Synonyms
unclearvagueambiguouscrypticopaque
Antonyms
clearobviousevidentapparenttransparent
Etymology
From Latin obscurus 'dark, hidden,' via Old French obscur- and Middle English obscuren; related to making dark or concealing something.
Mnemonic
Obscure = not sure. The word looks like 'ob-' + 'sure,' reminding you that if something is obscure, you’re not sure what it means. Visualize a curtain labeled OBSCURE blocking a bright stage.
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Diplomatic
adjectiveTactful and prudent in dealing with others, especially in sensitive or potentially confrontational situations; relating to diplomacy.
Prosperity
nounThe state of being prosperous, characterized by wealth, success, and well-being; often used to describe overall economic health or flourishing conditions in a society.
Choler
nounAnger or irascibility; in historical or literary usage, the yellow bile believed to cause a hot temper.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Ambiguous
adjectiveOpen to more than one interpretation; not clear or definite.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
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