Meaning & Definition of word "Obscure"

Obscure

/əbˈskjʊr/

verb:

  • 1. To keep from being seen; conceal.
    • Example: The tall buildings obscure the view of the mountains.
  • 2. To make unclear or difficult to understand.
    • Example: The legal jargon served to obscure the true meaning of the contract.

adjective:

  • 1. Not clearly expressed or easily understood; ambiguous.
    • Example: The professor's lecture was so obscure that many students left the class confused.
  • 2. Not discovered or known about; uncertain.
    • Example: The origins of the ancient artifact are still obscure to researchers.
  • 3. Little known or not well known.
    • Example: He was an obscure author until his novel became a bestseller.

Etymology

Middle English: from Latin obscurus, meaning 'dark, unclear'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

obscure reference:

A mention of something unknown or not commonly recognized.

obscure origins:

Unclear or unknown beginnings or sources.

to obscure the truth:

To hide or make the truth unclear.

Related Words

obscurity:

The state of being unknown or inconspicuous.

obfuscate:

To deliberately make something difficult to understand.

Slang Meanings of obscure

Meaning: Overlooked or not popular.

Example Sentence: That band is really obscure, but they have great music.

Meaning: Hard to find or access.

Example Sentence: The information is pretty obscure; I had to dig deep to find it.