What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abstruse
Example
The professor's lecture on quantum physics was too abstruse for most of the students. [abstruse: adjective]
Example
The book's abstruseness made it hard for me to follow the author's argument. [abstruseness: noun]
arcane
Example
The ritual involved many arcane symbols and incantations. [arcane: adjective]
Example
The historian uncovered some arcane texts that shed new light on the ancient civilization. [arcane: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abstruse is less common than arcane in everyday language. Abstruse is typically used in academic or technical contexts, while arcane can be used in a wider range of contexts, including literature, history, and popular culture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abstruse and arcane?
Both abstruse and arcane are formal words that are typically used in serious or academic contexts. However, abstruse is more technical and specialized, while arcane can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
