1. Difficult to understand or perceive: This is the most common meaning. Something obscure is unclear, ambiguous, or hidden from view. It can be difficult to comprehend due to complexity, lack of information, or being hidden from sight.
Examples:
* "The book was full of obscure references to ancient mythology."
* "The trail leading to the waterfall was obscure and overgrown with vegetation."
2. Not well-known or famous: This refers to something or someone that is not widely recognized or celebrated. It can also imply a lack of prominence or importance.
Examples:
* "The obscure poet's work was finally recognized after decades of obscurity."
* "He worked as an obscure librarian, content in his quiet life."
3. To make something difficult to see or understand: This meaning is used as a verb, meaning to hide or conceal.
Examples:
* "The fog obscured the view of the city."
* "His anger obscured his judgement."
In essence, "obscure" signifies a lack of clarity, prominence, or visibility. It can refer to things that are hard to understand, hidden from sight, or unknown to most.