What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ignotus
Example
The author's early works were largely ignotus until they gained popularity later. [ignotus: adjective]
Example
The small town was ignotus to most travelers, but it had its own charm. [ignotus: adjective]
obscure
Example
The professor's research topic was too obscure for most students to understand. [obscure: adjective]
Example
The artist remained obscure for many years before gaining recognition. [obscure: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obscure is more commonly used than ignotus in everyday language. Obscure is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ignotus is less common and refers specifically to something or someone that is unknown or unfamiliar.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ignotus and obscure?
Both ignotus and obscure are formal words that are typically used in written language or academic contexts. However, obscure is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.