obstruse

[əbˈstruːs]

obstruse Definition

difficult to understand; obscure.

Using obstruse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "obstruse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The professor's lectures were so obstruse that many students struggled to keep up.

• Example

  The book's obstruse language made it difficult for me to comprehend its meaning.

• Example

  His writing style is often criticized for being needlessly obstruse.

obstruse Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for obstruse

• abstruse
• arcane
• esoteric
• recondite
• opaque

Antonyms for obstruse

• clear
• simple
• understandable

Phrases with obstruse

• obstruse angle

  an angle that is not easily measured or understood

  Example

  The carpenter had to measure the obstruse angle several times before he could cut the wood correctly.

• obstruse problem

  a problem that is difficult to solve or understand

  Example

  The math teacher gave the students an obstruse problem to solve as a challenge.

• obstruse reference

  a reference that is difficult to understand or interpret

  Example

  The author's obstruse reference to a historical event left many readers confused.

Origins of obstruse

from Latin 'obstrusus', meaning 'blocked up, concealed'

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Summary: obstruse in Brief

'Obstruse' [əbˈstruːs] means difficult to understand or obscure. It is often used to describe complex or convoluted language, ideas, or concepts, such as 'The professor's lectures were so obstruse that many students struggled to keep up.' 'Obstruse' can also be used in phrases like 'obstruse angle' and 'obstruse problem,' which refer to things that are difficult to measure or understand.