Obscure
mediumob-SKYOOR
adjective
Definition
Not discovered or known about; uncertain
Examples
“The reference was too obscure for most readers to understand.”
“He quoted from an obscure 18th-century poet.”
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
lucid
Expressed clearly; easy to understand
succinct
Briefly and clearly expressed
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