Definition of Obscure

Main Entry: ¹ob·scure
Pronunciation: äb-'skyur, &b-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French oscur, obscur, from Latin obscurus
1 a : DARK, DIM b : shrouded in or hidden by darkness c : not clearly seen or easily distinguished : FAINT <obscure markings>
2 : not readily understood or clearly expressed; also : MYSTERIOUS
3 : relatively unknown: as a : REMOTE, SECLUDED obscure village> b : not prominent or famous obscure poet>
4 : constituting the unstressed vowel \&\ or having unstressed \&\ as its value
- ob·scure·ly adverb
- ob·scure·ness noun
synonyms OBSCURE, DARK, VAGUE, ENIGMATIC, CRYPTIC, AMBIGUOUS, EQUIVOCAL mean not clearly understandable. OBSCURE implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge <obscure poems>. DARK implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion dark hints of revenge>. VAGUE implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration vague sense of obligation>. ENIGMATIC stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality <enigmatic occult writings>. CRYPTIC implies a purposely concealed meaning <cryptic hints of hidden treasure>. AMBIGUOUS applies to language capable of more than one interpretation ambiguous directive>. EQUIVOCAL applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading equivocal phrasing>.