What is the difference between obstruse and abstruse?

Definitions

obstruse

- Describing something that is difficult to understand or comprehend.

- Referring to a concept or idea that is complex and hard to grasp.

- Talking about language or writing that is unclear or confusing.

abstruse

- Describing a topic or subject that is difficult to understand or comprehend.

- Referring to an idea or concept that is complex and hard to grasp.

- Talking about language or writing that is difficult to understand or interpret.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe something that is difficult to understand.
• 2. Both words are used to describe complex ideas or concepts.
• 3. Both words can be used to describe language or writing that is unclear or confusing.

What is the difference?

• 1. Usage: Obstruse is more commonly used in technical or academic contexts, while abstruse is more commonly used in literary or philosophical contexts.
• 2. Connotation: Obstruse has a negative connotation, implying that something is needlessly complicated or confusing, while abstruse has a neutral connotation, simply indicating that something is difficult to understand.

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Remember this!

Obstruse and abstruse are synonyms that both describe something that is difficult to understand or comprehend. However, obstruse is more commonly used in technical or academic contexts and has a negative connotation, while abstruse is more commonly used in literary or philosophical contexts and has a neutral connotation.