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Meaning of Word

Obscure refers to something that is not clearly understood, expressed, or easily noticed. It can also mean to make something less visible or harder to understand.

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Adjective: Not well known; not easily understood or noticed.
   • Example: An obscure poet.
2. Adjective: Difficult to see, vague, or dim.
   • Example: The path was obscure under the heavy fog.
3. Verb: To make something unclear or difficult to perceive.
   • Example: Clouds obscure the mountain view.

History and Origin

The word “obscure” comes from the Latin word obscūrus, meaning “dark” or “hidden.” It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, retaining its connotations of concealment and lack of clarity.

Detailed Explanation

“Obscure” can be used to describe both tangible and intangible things. As an adjective, it implies a lack of prominence, clarity, or light. For example, an “obscure village” suggests a place not widely known, and an “obscure explanation” suggests difficulty in understanding. As a verb, it means to actively hide or diminish something, like how clouds can obscure sunlight.

Example Sentences

1. The meaning of the ancient script remains obscure to scholars.
2. His speech was so obscure that few understood his point.
3. The dense fog obscured the landscape.
4. She discovered an obscure book in the library that became her favorite.
5. The origin of the tradition is somewhat obscure.
6. The actor was relatively obscure before landing the lead role.
7. He obscured the truth to protect his friend.
8. The obscure trail led us deeper into the forest.
9. Her obscure references in the essay confused the readers.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Unclear: Lacking clarity or precision.
2. Hidden: Kept out of sight or not readily apparent.
3. Unknown: Not widely recognized or identified.
4. Vague: Lacking definite shape, meaning, or focus.
5. Concealed: Covered or kept secret.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Ambiguous: Open to more than one interpretation.
2. Cryptic: Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure.
3. Faint: Lacking brightness, strength, or clarity.
4. Blurred: Not sharply defined; indistinct.
5. Eclipsed: Obscured or overshadowed by something else.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Opaque: Not transparent; hard to understand.
2. Arcane: Understood by few; mysterious or secret.
3. Murky: Dark, gloomy, or unclear.
4. Nebulous: In the form of a cloud; unclear or ill-defined.
5. Esoteric: Intended for or understood by a small, specific group.

Antonyms

1. Clear
2. Obvious
3. Visible
4. Prominent
5. Recognizable