What is obscure? Pronunciation and usage in English

obscure means . Learn how to pronounce and use obscure through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of obscure

obscureadjective

/əbˈskjʊə(r)//əbˈskjʊr/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "obscure" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "ob-": This part sounds like "ob" as in "obey."
  • "-scure": This is the key part. It's pronounced like "shure" (rhyming with "sure").

2. Putting it Together:

So, the whole word is pronounced: "ob-shure"

3. Detailed Breakdown & Tips:

  • "ob": Make sure to keep your tongue forward in your mouth as you say this.
  • "sh": This is a clear "sh" sound, like in "ship" or "shoe."
  • "ure": This is a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds. It blends together smoothly. Think of it as a short "uh" followed by a quick "er" sound.

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:

  • Google: Search "how to pronounce obscure" on Google. You'll find audio clips.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/obscure/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for “how to pronounce obscure” on YouTube. Many pronunciation guides speak clearly.

5. Common Mistakes:

  • Saying "ucks-cure": This is a very common mistake. Remember it's "ob-shure."
  • Over-emphasizing the "u": Don’t linger too long on the vowel sound. It's a smooth transition.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What's your native language? (Knowing your native language can help me pinpoint potential pronunciation challenges you might have.)

Usage and examples with the word obscure in English

Let's break down how to use the word "obscure" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different shades of meaning. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. As an Adjective (Most Common Usage): Meaning "Not Well Known"

This is the most frequent way to use "obscure." It describes something that is not widely recognized, understood, or easy to find.

  • Examples:
    • "The artist's work is relatively obscure, but critics are starting to take notice." (The artist isn't famous.)
    • "I couldn't find any information about that historical event – it’s quite obscure." (The information is hard to find.)
    • "He had an obscure past that he never discussed." (His past was unknown or hidden.)
    • "The meaning of the poem was obscure and difficult to interpret." (The poem was confusing.)

2. As a Verb: Meaning "To Make Obscure" or "To Cover Up"

When used as a verb, "obscure" means to hide something from view or to make something unclear.

  • Examples:
    • "The witness tried to obscure his identity by wearing a hat and sunglasses." (He tried to hide his appearance.)
    • "The company attempted to obscure the details of the deal to avoid scrutiny." (They tried to hide the information.)
    • "Please obscure the sensitive information on the document." (Cover up the sensitive details.)

3. Figurative Uses – Subtle or Unclear

"Obscure" can also be used figuratively to describe something that is subtle, vague, or not immediately apparent.

  • Examples:
    • “There was an obscure reference to a Shakespeare play in his speech.” (It was a subtle reference that might not be understood by everyone.)
    • "Her motivations were obscure, leaving everyone wondering why she had acted that way." (Her reasons were unclear and not easily understood.)

Key Nuances & Synonyms:

  • Degree of Obscurity: "Obscure" suggests a degree of unfamiliarity. Some words that fit the same range of meaning include: vague, indistinct, unknown, unfamiliar, hidden, shrouded.

  • Contrast with “Known”: “Obscure” is almost always used in contrast to “known” or “well-established.”

  • Formal Tone: "Obscure" tends to be a slightly more formal word than "unknown" or "unfamiliar."

Here’s a table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Examples
Adjective Not well known An obscure fact, an obscure author
Verb To hide, to cover up He obscured his face, They obscured the details
Figurative Subtle, unclear An obscure message, an obscure motive

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use "obscure"? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.)
  • What are you trying to describe? (e.g., a person, an event, an idea, etc.)

Synonyms for the word obscure

Practice with vocabulary obscure

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The ancient manuscript contained references to an __________ deity, known only to a few specialized historians.
  2. To avoid any potential misinterpretation, the legal team ensured the contract's language was entirely __________ and left no room for doubt.
  3. His early works remained largely __________ until a major retrospective exhibition brought them to public attention many years later.
  4. Despite the manager's clear instructions, the new project brief was surprisingly __________ regarding the final deadline.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  • Note: There may be multiple correct answers for each question.

  1. Which of the following words could describe a historical event that is not widely known or remembered by the general public? a) prominent b) conspicuous c) recondite d) esoteric e) renowned

  2. The company's new policy was so __________ that many employees found it difficult to understand their roles and responsibilities. a) unambiguous b) lucid c) perplexing d) straightforward e) transparent

  3. In which of the following scenarios would the term "obscure" be an appropriate description? a) A widely acclaimed novel that sold millions of copies. b) A minor astronomical phenomenon rarely observed. c) A highly specialized piece of academic research understood by few. d) A celebrated public figure known globally. e) The hidden meaning within an ancient, forgotten text.

  4. Despite the overwhelming evidence, the politician's statements remained __________ on the core issue, avoiding a direct answer. a) explicit b) unequivocal c) evasive d) definite e) ambiguous

  5. Which phrase best describes the status of an artist whose work receives little attention and sells infrequently? a) widely celebrated b) critically acclaimed c) virtually unknown d) universally recognized e) little-known

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Few people remember the small village where the famous author was born, as it is not often mentioned.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "obscure" or a related word form.

  2. The politician's response to the journalist's challenging question was rather vague and difficult to interpret.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "vague and difficult to interpret" that is NOT "obscure".

  3. The detailed scientific theory was challenging for individuals without specialized knowledge to grasp fully.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "obscure" or a related word form.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. obscure
  2. explicit (or unambiguous, precise)
  3. obscure
  4. ambiguous (or vague, unclear)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) recondite, d) esoteric
  2. c) perplexing
  3. b) A minor astronomical phenomenon rarely observed., c) A highly specialized piece of academic research understood by few., e) The hidden meaning within an ancient, forgotten text.
  4. c) evasive, e) ambiguous
  5. c) virtually unknown, e) little-known

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The small village where the famous author was born remains relatively obscure, as it is not often mentioned.
  2. The politician's response to the journalist's challenging question was rather evasive and difficult to interpret. (Other possibilities: unclear, ambiguous)
  3. The detailed scientific theory was obscure to individuals without specialized knowledge.

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