What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obstruse
Example
The professor's lecture on quantum physics was obstruse and hard to follow. [obstruse: adjective]
Example
The author's obstruse writing style made it challenging to understand the plot. [obstruse: adjective]
abstruse
Example
The philosopher's theories were so abstruse that only a few people could understand them. [abstruse: adjective]
Example
The book's abstruse language made it hard to follow the author's argument. [abstruse: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abstruse is less common than obstruse in everyday language, but both words are used in specific contexts where complex ideas or concepts are discussed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obstruse and abstruse?
Both obstruse and abstruse are formal words that are typically used in academic or intellectual contexts.
