What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
darkness
Example
The room was filled with darkness after the power outage. [darkness: noun]
Example
She stumbled in the darkness, unable to see where she was going. [darkness: noun]
obscurity
Example
The author's work fell into obscurity after his death. [obscurity: noun]
Example
The meaning of the poem was lost in obscurity, leaving the readers confused. [obscurity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Darkness is more commonly used than obscurity in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and situations. Obscurity is more formal and less common, and is often used in academic or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between darkness and obscurity?
Obscurity is more formal than darkness, and is often used in academic or literary contexts. It can also be used to convey a sense of complexity or difficulty, making it suitable for technical or specialized writing. Darkness, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
