What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obscure
Example
The author's early works are quite obscure and difficult to comprehend. [obscure: adjective]
Example
The meaning of the poem remains obscure even after multiple readings. [obscure: adjective]
Example
The path to the waterfall is quite obscure and requires a guide to navigate. [obscure: adjective]
unfamiliar
Example
The foreign language was completely unfamiliar to me. [unfamiliar: adjective]
Example
The new software interface was unfamiliar and took some time to get used to. [unfamiliar: adjective]
Example
The remote village was unfamiliar to most tourists and remained largely undiscovered. [unfamiliar: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unfamiliar is more commonly used than obscure in everyday language. Unfamiliar is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while obscure is more specialized and often used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obscure and unfamiliar?
Obscure is generally considered more formal than unfamiliar. It is often used in academic or specialized contexts, while unfamiliar is more commonly used in everyday language and has a more neutral tone.
