What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dark
Example
The room was so dark that I couldn't see anything. [dark: adjective]
Example
She wore a dark dress to the funeral. [dark: adjective]
Example
The movie had a dark and suspenseful plot. [dark: adjective]
obscure
Example
The author's early works are relatively obscure. [obscure: adjective]
Example
The village is located in an obscure corner of the country. [obscure: adjective]
Example
The poem contains some obscure references to mythology. [obscure: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dark is a more common word than obscure in everyday language. Dark has a wide range of uses and can be employed in various contexts, while obscure is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dark and obscure?
Both dark and obscure can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, obscure may be perceived as more formal or academic due to its association with specialized or technical language.
