Recondite
hardNeutral toneREK-un-dyt
adjective
Definition
Little known; abstruse; dealing with very profound, difficult, or specialized subject matter
Memory hook
RE-CONDITE: Knowledge HIDDEN (conditus) away -- so specialized only experts understand it.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The professor's lecture on quantum physics was recondite and challenging.”
“She immersed herself in recondite areas of medieval history.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The professor's lecture on quantum physics was ______ and challenging.”
Show answer
recondite
Categories
GRE Tip
Recondite is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "abstruse" or "esoteric" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "accessible".
Related GRE Words
abstruse
Difficult to understand; obscure
cryptic
Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure
esoteric
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge
opaque
Not able to be seen through; not transparent; difficult to understand
arcane
Understood by few; mysterious or secret
obfuscate
To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible
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