Abstruse
hardab-STROOS
adjective
Definition
Difficult to understand; obscure
Examples
“The philosopher's abstruse theories were difficult for students to grasp.”
“His abstruse explanation only confused matters further.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Abstruse is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "obscure" or "esoteric" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "clear".
Related GRE Words
recondite
Little known; abstruse; dealing with very profound, difficult, or specialized subject matter
esoteric
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge
arcane
Understood by few; mysterious or secret
cryptic
Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure
obfuscate
To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible
opaque
Not able to be seen through; not transparent; difficult to understand
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