obscure
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əbˈskjʊr/
KK: /əbˈskjʊr/
adjective
Definition
Not well known or difficult to understand; unclear or vague.
Example
The author wrote an obscure novel that few people understood.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more obscure
Superlative: most obscure
Conversation
Have you ever heard of that obscure band from the 90s?
No, I haven't! What's their name?
They're called 'The Silent Echo', but they were really hard to find back then.
I love discovering obscure music; I'll have to look them up!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
vague
ambiguous
unclear
Antonyms
clear
obvious
evident
noun
Definition
Something that is not well known or is difficult to understand.
Example
The meaning of the poem was quite obscure to many readers.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of that book by the obscure author?
No, I can't say I have. What's it about?
It's supposed to be really good, even if the writer is a bit obscure.
transitive verb
Definition
To make something less visible or clear, often by covering it or making it difficult to see.
Example
The thick fog obscured the road ahead, making it hard to drive.
Tense Forms
Past: obscured
Past Participle: obscured
Conversation
Did you notice how the trees obscure the view of the mountains?
Yeah, it's like they create a natural barrier.
I wish they wouldn't obscure it so much, the scenery is beautiful.
Root Explanation
Obscure → It is formed from "ob-" (meaning against) and "scurus" (from Latin "scurus", meaning to cover or to hide). The word "obscure" means to cover or hide from view, making something unclear or difficult to see.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'covered' ('scurus') and 'against' ('ob-') visibility — that's why obscure means something that is hidden or not easily seen.
Visually Confused Words
unobscure
reobscure
unobscured
subobscure
lobscourse