Obscure
mediumNegative toneob-SKYOOR
adjective
Definition
Not discovered or known about; uncertain
Memory hook
OB-SCURE: OBSCURED in darkness -- unclear, hidden from understanding.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The reference was too obscure for most readers to understand.”
“He quoted from an obscure 18th-century poet.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The reference was too ______ for most readers to understand.”
Show answer
obscure
Categories
GRE Tip
Obscure is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "unclear" or "cryptic" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "clear".
Related GRE Words
opaque
Not able to be seen through; not transparent; difficult to understand
cryptic
Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; unclear
esoteric
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge
coherent
Logical and consistent; able to speak clearly and logically
enigmatic
Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious
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