obscure
/əbˈskjɔː(ɹ)/
Group 13Difficulty 1/3
Definitions
- (adjective)
- Not discovered or known about; uncertain GRE
- (verb)
- To keep from being seen; to conceal GRE
Example in Context
The origins of the tradition remain obscure, with competing theories offered by historians who cannot agree on primary sources.
Synonyms
unclearhiddenunknown
Etymology
Something that is hidden or covered from view.
- ob- (Latin) — against
- scurus (Latin) — to cover
Memory Aid
🚪Sounds like “obscure door”
Behind an OBSCURE DOOR lies a treasure, but no one knows it's there!
Visual Association
🌫️A foggy street where mysterious shadows loom, making everything feel hidden and uncertain.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “obscure” mean on the GRE?
obscure (adjective) means “Not discovered or known about; uncertain”. The origins of the tradition remain obscure, with competing theories offered by historians who cannot agree on primary sources.
How to remember “obscure” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “obscure” sounds like “obscure door”. Behind an OBSCURE DOOR lies a treasure, but no one knows it's there!
What are synonyms for “obscure”?
Common synonyms: unclear, hidden, unknown.