Obscure vs. Vague — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
Obscure refers to something that is difficult to understand due to its complexity or hidden nature, while vague describes something that lacks clarity or is imprecise, often because of insufficient details or ambiguous language.
Difference Between Obscure and Vague
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Key Differences
Obscure implies something is challenging to comprehend because it is not well-known, is concealed, or uses difficult language. For instance, an obscure reference or concept might require specialized knowledge to grasp. Vague, on the other hand, is used when something is unclear or lacking in specificity, like a vague response that leaves important details out.
Obscure information might be detailed but not easily accessible or widely known, often because it's buried in dense text or scholarly material. Vague information, in contrast, provides insufficient clarity, sometimes deliberately, making it hard to form a concrete understanding.
Obscure topics often involve specialized fields or old literature that requires contextual knowledge. Vague topics or statements can arise in any context where clarity isn't provided.
Obscure can have a positive connotation when referring to a hidden gem or valuable insight. Vague usually implies something is unsatisfying or unhelpful due to its imprecision.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Hidden or difficult to understand
Lacking clarity, imprecise
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Source of Difficulty
Requires specialized or deeper knowledge
Ambiguous or lacking detail
Intent
Often unintended complexity or rarity
Sometimes intentional lack of specifics
Information Quality
Can be detailed but hard to access
Usually insufficient or lacking substance
Usage Context
Scholarly work, technical references
Everyday language, casual communication
Compare with Definitions
Obscure
Hidden or little-known.
The scholar uncovered an obscure manuscript in the archives.
Vague
Lacking specific details.
She gave a vague description of the suspect.
Obscure
Unfamiliar or rare.
The artist is known for his obscure, early 20th-century paintings.
Vague
Broad or imprecise.
His response was vague, leaving us with more questions.
Obscure
Not clearly visible.
The fog obscured the mountaintop view.
Vague
Ambiguous or unclear.
The directions were too vague for me to follow.
Obscure
Complex or esoteric.
His writing style is too obscure for the average reader.
Vague
Not fully developed.
His vague plan left much to the imagination.
Obscure
Deficient in light; dark
The obscure depths of a cave.
Vague
Intentionally noncommittal.
The politician's vague promises didn't offer any concrete solutions.
Obscure
So faintly perceptible as to lack clear delineation; indistinct
An obscure figure in the fog.
Vague
Of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning
Many patients suffer vague symptoms
Obscure
Indistinctly heard; faint.
Vague
Not clear in meaning or expression; inexplicit.
Obscure
(Linguistics) Having the reduced, neutral sound represented by schwa (ə).
Vague
Not thinking or expressing oneself clearly
"Most of us are quite vague about the theoretical underpinnings of the medical theories that guide our doctors" (Kwame Anthony Appiah).
Obscure
Far from centers of human population
An obscure village.
Vague
Lacking definite shape, form, or character; indistinct
Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog.
Obscure
Out of sight; hidden
An obscure retreat.
Vague
Indistinctly felt, perceived, understood, or recalled; hazy
A vague uneasiness.
Obscure
Not readily noticed or seen; inconspicuous
An obscure flaw.
Vague
Not clearly expressed; stated in indefinite terms.
Obscure
Of undistinguished or humble station or reputation
An obscure poet.
An obscure family.
Vague
Not having a precise meaning.
A vague term of abuse
Obscure
Not clearly understood or expressed; ambiguous or vague
Some say that Blake's style is obscure and complex.
Vague
Not clearly defined, grasped, or understood; indistinct; slight.
Only a vague notion of what’s needed
A vague hint of a thickening waistline
I haven’t the vaguest idea.
Obscure
To make dim, indistinct, or impossible to see
"His face was obscured in shadow" (Rosemary Mahoney).
Vague
Not clearly felt or sensed; somewhat subconscious.
A vague longing
Obscure
To make difficult to discern mentally or understand
The meaning of the text was obscured by its difficult language.
Vague
Not thinking or expressing one’s thoughts clearly or precisely.
Obscure
To diminish the stature of; overshadow or detract from
"[His] character was so repellent that it has obscured his historical role" (David Rains Wallace).
Vague
Lacking expression; vacant.
Obscure
(Linguistics) To reduce (a vowel) to the neutral sound represented by schwa (ə).
Vague
Not sharply outlined; hazy.
Obscure
Something obscure or unknown.
Vague
Wandering; vagrant; vagabond.
Obscure
Dark, faint or indistinct.
Vague
(obsolete) A wandering; a vagary.
Obscure
Hidden, out of sight or inconspicuous.
Vague
An indefinite expanse.
Obscure
Difficult to understand.
An obscure passage or inscription;
The speaker made obscure references to little-known literary works.
Vague
(archaic) to wander; to roam; to stray.
Obscure
Not well-known.
Vague
To become vague or act in a vague manner.
Obscure
Unknown or uncertain; unclear.
The etymological roots of the word "blizzard" are obscure and open to debate.
Vague
To make vague negative comments publicly; to make highly veiled complaints or insults.
Obscure
(transitive) To render obscure; to darken; to make dim; to keep in the dark; to hide; to make less visible, intelligible, legible, glorious, beautiful, or illustrious.
Vague
Wandering; vagrant; vagabond.
She danced along with vague, regardless eyes.
Obscure
(transitive) To hide, put out of sight etc.
Vague
Unsettled; unfixed; undetermined; indefinite; ambiguous; as, a vague idea; a vague proposition.
This faith is neither a mere fantasy of future glory, nor a vague ebullition of feeling.
The poet turned away, and gave himself up to a sort of vague revery, which he called thought.
Obscure
To conceal oneself; to hide.
Vague
Proceeding from no known authority; unauthenticated; uncertain; flying; as, a vague report.
Some legend strange and vague.
Obscure
Covered over, shaded, or darkened; destitute of light; imperfectly illuminated; dusky; dim.
His lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
Vague
An indefinite expanse.
The gray vague of unsympathizing sea.
Obscure
Of or pertaining to darkness or night; inconspicuous to the sight; indistinctly seen; hidden; retired; remote from observation; unnoticed.
The obscure birdClamored the livelong night.
The obscure corners of the earth.
Vague
A wandering; a vagary.
Obscure
Not noticeable; humble; mean.
Vague
To wander; to roam; to stray.
Obscure
Not easily understood; not clear or legible; abstruse or incomprehensible; as, an obscure passage or inscription.
Vague
Not clearly understood or expressed;
An obscure turn of phrase
An impulse to go off and fight certain obscure battles of his own spirit
Their descriptions of human behavior become vague, dull, and unclear
Vague...forms of speech...have so long passed for mysteries of science
Obscure
Not clear, full, or distinct; clouded; imperfect; as, an obscure view of remote objects.
Vague
Not precisely limited, determined, or distinguished;
An undefined term
Undefined authority
Some undefined sense of excitement
Vague feelings of sadness
A vague uneasiness
Obscure
To render obscure; to darken; to make dim; to keep in the dark; to hide; to make less visible, intelligible, legible, glorious, beautiful, or illustrious.
They are all couched in a pit hard by Herne's oak, with obscured lights.
Why, 't is an office of discovery, love,And I should be obscured.
There is scarce any duty which has been so obscured by the writings of learned men as this.
And seest not sin obscures thy godlike frame?
Vague
Lacking clarity or distinctness;
A dim figure in the distance
Only a faint recollection
Shadowy figures in the gloom
Saw a vague outline of a building through the fog
A few wispy memories of childhood
Obscure
To conceal one's self; to hide; to keep dark.
How! There's bad news.I must obscure, and hear it.
Obscure
Obscurity.
Obscure
Make less visible or unclear;
The stars are obscured by the clouds
Obscure
Make unclear, indistinct, or blurred;
Her remarks confused the debate
Their words obnubilate their intentions
Obscure
Make obscure or unclear;
The distinction was obscured
Obscure
Make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring or concealing;
A hidden message
A veiled threat
Obscure
Make difficult to perceive by sight;
The foliage of the huge tree obscures the view of the lake
Obscure
Not clearly understood or expressed;
An obscure turn of phrase
An impulse to go off and fight certain obscure battles of his own spirit
Their descriptions of human behavior become vague, dull, and unclear
Vague...forms of speech...have so long passed for mysteries of science
Obscure
Marked by difficulty of style or expression;
Much that was dark is now quite clear to me
Those who do not appreciate Kafka's work say his style is obscure
Obscure
Difficult to find;
Hidden valleys
A hidden cave
An obscure retreat
Obscure
Not famous or acclaimed;
An obscure family
Unsung heroes of the war
Obscure
Not drawing attention;
An unnoticeable cigarette burn on the carpet
An obscure flaw
Obscure
Remote and separate physically or socially;
Existed over the centuries as a world apart
Preserved because they inhabited a place apart
Tiny isolated villages remote from centers of civilization
An obscure village
Common Curiosities
Can obscure also mean hidden physically?
Yes, it can refer to something physically concealed from view.
Is vague always about a lack of detail?
Yes, vagueness usually implies insufficient clarity or precision.
Is something obscure always rare?
Not always, but obscure things are often not well known or recognized.
Can someone be intentionally vague?
Yes, vagueness is sometimes used deliberately to avoid specifics.
Is vague only used in communication?
No, it can also describe ideas or thoughts that are imprecise.
Can obscure knowledge be valuable?
Yes, unique or rare knowledge can have significant value.
Can an obscure topic be explained clearly?
Yes, with enough context and expertise, obscure topics can be clarified.
Is "obscure" always negative?
No, some people enjoy exploring obscure subjects or ideas.
Is obscure always related to specialized fields?
No, it can also describe unfamiliar or forgotten everyday topics.
Does obscure have a historical meaning?
Yes, it historically refers to darkness or being hidden from light.
Are vague and ambiguous interchangeable?
They are similar but differ slightly; vague implies a lack of clarity, while ambiguous means multiple interpretations are possible.
Can a person be described as obscure or vague?
Yes, an obscure person might be little-known, while a vague person may communicate imprecisely.
Is vague used in legal contexts?
Yes, legal documents sometimes avoid vagueness for accuracy.
Is vagueness helpful in certain situations?
Sometimes, as it can allow flexibility when more details aren't needed.
Is vague more about quality or quantity of information?
Quality, because vague information may have details but still lack clarity.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
