Definitions
- Describing something that is difficult to understand or comprehend. - Referring to a concept or idea that is complex and hard to grasp. - Talking about a subject matter that is obscure or esoteric.
- Describing something that is mysterious or secret. - Referring to knowledge or information that is known only by a select few. - Talking about a subject matter that is ancient or outdated.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is difficult to understand or comprehend.
- 2Both words can refer to complex or obscure subject matters.
- 3Both words have a connotation of being challenging or hard to access.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Abstruse emphasizes complexity and difficulty in understanding, while arcane emphasizes secrecy and exclusivity.
- 2Age: Arcane can refer to knowledge or practices that are ancient or outdated, while abstruse does not have this connotation.
- 3Usage: Abstruse is more commonly used in academic or technical contexts, while arcane can be used in a wider range of contexts.
- 4Connotation: Abstruse has a neutral connotation, while arcane can have a negative connotation of being unnecessarily complicated or obscure.
Remember this!
Abstruse and arcane are synonyms that describe something that is difficult to understand or access. However, the difference between the two words lies in their focus and connotation. Abstruse emphasizes complexity and difficulty in understanding, while arcane emphasizes secrecy and exclusivity. Abstruse is more commonly used in academic or technical contexts, while arcane can be used in a wider range of contexts, but can have a negative connotation of being unnecessarily complicated or obscure.
