What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
invisible
Example
The virus is invisible to the naked eye. [invisible: adjective]
Example
The security system uses invisible ink to mark valuable items. [invisible: adjective]
Example
Her contributions to the project were invisible to the team. [invisible: adjective]
obscure
Example
The meaning of the ancient text was obscure and required extensive research. [obscure: adjective]
Example
The band's early albums were obscure and only gained popularity years later. [obscure: adjective]
Example
The company's financial dealings were obscured by complex accounting practices. [obscured: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Invisible is more commonly used than obscure in everyday language. Invisible is a versatile word that can be used 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 invisible and obscure?
Both invisible and obscure can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, obscure may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with academic or technical language.